Best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Struggling to find a dish that impresses at any gathering? Chicken Tikka Masala is often seen as a restaurant specialty, leaving many home cooks feeling overwhelmed by the idea of making it from scratch.

The complexity of Indian spices and the rich, creamy sauce might seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, you can master this flavorful classic with ease.

Our Chicken Tikka Masala recipe breaks down each step clearly, making it simple to achieve a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500 grams boneless chicken pieces
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp garlic paste
• ½ tsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp mustard oil

For the Gravy

• 4 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic paste
• ½ tsp ginger paste
• 2 small tomatoes, crushed
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 2½ tbsp cream
• ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with lime juice, salt, plain yogurt, and all the spices: red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Add the garlic and ginger paste, and mustard oil. Stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly.
2. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors infuse into the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a pan over low-medium heat and add a bit of cooking oil.
2. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Gravy

1. In a separate pan, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and golden.
3. Stir in the garlic paste, ginger paste, and crushed tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
4. Mix in the remaining spices: coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Pour in the water and add the cooked chicken pieces. Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Finish the Dish

1. Stir in the cream and gently mix it into the sauce.
2. Garnish with kasuri methi for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve

Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala hot with rice or naan. It also pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This recipe is accessible for beginners and provides clear steps to achieve a flavorful and satisfying meal. By marinating the chicken well and preparing a savory gravy, you’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether served with rice, naan, or a side of vegetables, Chicken Tikka Masala makes for a versatile and enjoyable meal that can easily become a favorite in your recipe collection.