Chicken Tikka Masala

Discover the joy of making one of the most beloved dishes right in your own kitchen. This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces simmered in a luxuriously creamy and aromatic tomato sauce. A true classic in Indian-American cuisine, it's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for serving over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Chicken Tikka Masala is a testament to culinary fusion, blending traditional Indian spices with a creamy tomato base that has won hearts worldwide. This version balances the smoky char of broiled chicken with a silky, well-spiced sauce, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying main dish that feels both special and accessible.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup (180 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• For the Sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours.

Step 2

Preheat oven broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack. Broil for 5–7 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and almost cooked through. Alternatively, grill or pan-sear the chicken.

Step 3

For the sauce, heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in cumin, garam masala, paprika, coriander, and chili powder. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add tomato sauce and sugar; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Stir in heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes until sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 7

Add broiled chicken to the sauce and simmer for 7–10 minutes, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this dish, you'll need a few key tools: mixing bowls for the marinade, a baking sheet with a rack for broiling the chicken (or a grill/pan as an alternative), a large skillet for the sauce, a good cutting board and knife for prep, and a set of measuring spoons and cups for accuracy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor profile. If you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of chili powder or add a finely diced fresh chili along with the garlic and ginger.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or with warm naan bread for dipping. For a beverage pairing, a dry Riesling or a chilled lager complements the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.

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With its vibrant color and incredible depth of flavor, this Chicken Tikka Masala is a culinary adventure worth taking. Enjoy the process of building the layers of taste and savor the delicious result with your loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juiciest during cooking, but breasts work well too. Cut both into uniform 1-inch pieces for even marinating and cooking.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors, but 2–4 hours yields more tender, flavorful results. Overnight marinating provides maximum depth.

→ Can I make this lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream. Both reduce calories while maintaining luxurious texture. Coconut milk adds subtle sweetness.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Start with the optional chili powder omitted. Add gradually to taste. For more heat without altering flavor, incorporate diced fresh jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

→ What should I serve with this?

Steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread are traditional pairings that soak up the sauce. Roasted cauliflower or cucumber raita provide cooling contrast.

→ Can I cook the chicken on a grill?

Absolutely. Grill marinated pieces over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. The smoky flavor complements the creamy sauce beautifully.