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Chicken Tikka Masala 72.png

Chicken Tikka Masala

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🍛 Enjoy the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala, a classic Indian curry that warms the soul.
🔥 This recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a luscious tomato and onion-based sauce, perfect for a comforting meal at home.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 700 grams boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 to 1½ inch pieces

– ½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garam masala

– ½ teaspoon cumin powder

– 1 teaspoon coriander powder

– ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

– 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ¾ tablespoon each of grated ginger and garlic)

– ½ cup Greek yogurt or strained hung curd

– 1 tablespoon oil, preferably mustard oil for authenticity

– 3 tablespoons oil or ghee

– 1½ cups finely chopped onions

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 green chili (optional)

– 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ¾ tablespoon each of grated ginger and garlic)

– ½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder

– 2 teaspoons garam masala

– 1 tablespoon coriander powder

– 1 to 1½ teaspoons cumin powder

– 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar

– 500 grams fresh tomatoes (pureed or chopped) or 1¼ cup bottled tomato puree/passata

– 1 cup hot water (double if using cashew cream)

– 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

– ½ cup heavy cream, whipping cream, or cashew cream made by grinding 30 cashews with water

– 3 tablespoons cream for garnishing

– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

1-Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Begin with 700 grams of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 to 1½ inch pieces. Mix in ½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves, 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste, ½ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon oil. Marinate for at least 8 hours or up to 48 hours for the best flavor, though 3 hours works if you’re in a rush.

2-Step 2: Cook the Sauce Heat 3 tablespoons oil or ghee in a pan, then sauté 1½ cups finely chopped onions with 1 teaspoon salt until deep golden. Add 1 green chili if desired, along with 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste. Stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tablespoon coriander powder, 2 teaspoons garam masala, and 1 to 1½ teaspoons cumin powder. Next, add 500 grams pureed or chopped tomatoes and cook until thickened, then pour in 1 cup hot water and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes.

3-Step 3: Grill the Chicken Grill the marinated chicken using your preferred method: oven at 460°F (240°C) for 9-10 minutes per side plus broiling, skillet on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes per side. Aim for a light char without fully cooking it through, as it will finish in the sauce. For more chicken cooking ideas, try this easy chicken spaghetti recipe on our site.

4-Step 4: Combine and Finish Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar and ½ cup heavy cream into the sauce. Add the grilled chicken and 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves, then cook covered for 2-3 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with 3 tablespoons cream and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves. The total prep time is about 20 minutes, cooking takes 40 minutes, plus marination.

Last Step:

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Notes

⏳ Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
🌶️ Adjust the Kashmiri chili powder and green chili to control spice level.
🥥 For dairy-free option, use cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marination time: 8 hours
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Marinating, grilling, simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving