Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Authentic Indian Flavor at Home

Name: Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Authentic Indian Flavor at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500 grams Chicken Breast or Thighs (cut into cubes, pre-cooked); 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing); 2 medium Onions (finely chopped); 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1 Tbsp Salt; 1 Tbsp Red Chilli Powder; 1 Tbsp Paprika; 1 Tbsp Black Pepper (ground); 1 Tbsp Cumin Powder; 1/2 Tbsp Turmeric Powder; 1 Tbsp Red Chilli Flakes; 1 Tbsp Garam Masala; 2 Tbsp Tomato Puree; 2 Tbsp Plain Yogurt (full-fat, plain); 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander (chopped, for garnish)

Learn how to make delicious Chicken Tikka Masala with this easy-to-follow recipe. This creamy, spicy, and flavorful Indian curry features tender chicken pieces in a rich tomato and yogurt-based sauce, perfected with aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!

#Chicken

#Tikka Masala

#Indian Cuisine

#Spicy

#Curry

#Dinner

#Comfort Food

Sautéing Onions and Spices

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

40m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Indian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

480

Calories

35g

Protein

20g

Carbs

35g

Fat

Rich Tomato and Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Chicken Simmering in Masala Sauce

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
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6m
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
6m
Sautéing onions slowly builds a deep flavor base for the curry.
2
Add ginger garlic paste to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in salt, red chilli powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chilli flakes, and garam masala. Sauté the spices for another minute.
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2m
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Add ginger garlic paste to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in salt, red chilli powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chilli flakes, and garam masala. Sauté the spices for another minute.
2m
Cooking the spices briefly in oil helps release their full aroma and flavor.

3
Add tomato puree to the mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the edges.
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3m
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Add tomato puree to the mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the edges.
3m
Cooking the tomato puree properly removes any raw taste and deepens the sauce's color.
4
Stir in the plain yogurt and mix thoroughly until no lumps remain. Cook for another minute, ensuring the yogurt is fully incorporated into the sauce.
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2m
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Stir in the plain yogurt and mix thoroughly until no lumps remain. Cook for another minute, ensuring the yogurt is fully incorporated into the sauce.
2m
Ensure yogurt is at room temperature to prevent curdling when added to hot sauce.
5
Add the pre-cooked chicken pieces to the rich sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
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6m
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Add the pre-cooked chicken pieces to the rich sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
6m
Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe quicker; if using raw chicken, sear it first.

6
Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir until it is fully combined with the sauce. Continue to simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly to your desired consistency.
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4m
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Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir until it is fully combined with the sauce. Continue to simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly to your desired consistency.
4m
Do not boil the sauce vigorously after adding cream, as it might curdle.
7
Once the Chicken Tikka Masala reaches your preferred consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander before serving hot with rice or naan bread.
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2m
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Once the Chicken Tikka Masala reaches your preferred consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander before serving hot with rice or naan bread.
2m
Fresh coriander adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich curry flavors.