Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala: Your Ultimate Guide to a Restaurant-Quality Dish

Experience the vibrant, comforting flavors of India right in your own kitchen with this incredible **Chicken Tikka Masala** recipe. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces, deeply marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then gently simmered in a rich, creamy, and aromatic tomato-based sauce. It’s a culinary journey that promises restaurant-quality taste, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with guests. Get ready to adjust the spice level to your preference and discover why this dish is a global favorite!

For many years, Chicken Tikka Masala was my absolute go-to whenever I dined at an Indian restaurant. The irresistible combination of perfectly cooked chicken and that lusciously spiced sauce, ideal for scooping up with fluffy rice and warm, pillowy naan bread, was pure bliss. My love for this dish eventually inspired me to embark on a quest to master it at home, hoping to replicate that authentic and comforting experience.

The journey involved quite a bit of experimentation and a few less-than-perfect attempts, but persistence paid off. I finally perfected a version that captures all the bold, smoky, and creamy flavors I cherish from my favorite eateries. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance of fragrant spices, luxurious richness, and a hint of heat that you can easily customize to suit your palate. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms your dining table into a gourmet Indian destination.

If you’re new to preparing Indian-inspired dishes, there’s no need to feel intimidated. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible. The process involves three main steps: first, marinating the chicken in a flavorful spiced yogurt mixture; second, broiling the chicken briefly to achieve a lovely char and lock in moisture; and finally, simmering it in a velvety tomato-based sauce. The steps are simple enough for a busy weeknight yet yield a dish that feels utterly indulgent and special, making it suitable for any occasion.

For those who prefer a slightly milder but equally delicious option, you might also enjoy exploring my recipe for Butter Chicken – another fantastic creamy chicken curry that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Here’s why this recipe will become a cherished favorite:

• Perfectly Tender and Juicy Chicken: The magic truly begins with the yogurt marinade. Yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the chicken fibers while infusing every piece with incredible flavor. This ensures that your chicken remains exceptionally juicy, moist, and tender, even after cooking in the sauce. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken!
• Utilizes Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to scour specialty stores for obscure ingredients. Every spice, vegetable, and dairy product required for this recipe can be easily found at your local grocery store. This makes it a convenient and stress-free cooking experience, bringing exotic flavors within reach.
• Incredibly Make-Ahead Friendly: Life gets busy, but delicious meals don’t have to be a distant dream. The chicken marinade is designed to be prepped ahead of time – it works wonders when left to marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld. This flexibility means you can do most of the prep work in advance, making dinner assembly a breeze on busy evenings.
• A Luxurious One-Pot Sauce: Who doesn’t love minimal cleanup? The rich, aromatic, and spiced tomato cream sauce comes together beautifully in just one pan. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also means less washing up afterward, leaving you more time to savor your delicious meal. The sauce is truly the heart of this dish, brimming with layers of flavor.

What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients for Your Tikka Masala

To create this sensational Chicken Tikka Masala, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. For the complete, detailed recipe with exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

For the Flavorful Chicken Marinade:

The marinade is key to tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with deep, savory flavors before it even hits the pan.

• Boneless Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs work equally well, cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal flavor absorption and quick cooking. Thighs tend to stay juicier.
• Plain Yogurt: Unsweetened plain yogurt forms the creamy base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and carrying the spices.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
• Ginger: Freshly minced ginger provides a warm, spicy counterpoint to the garlic.
• Garam Masala: A fragrant blend of ground spices, essential for authentic Indian flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: For a touch of heat; adjust according to your preference.
• Turmeric: Imparts a beautiful golden color and earthy notes.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, distinctive aroma.
• Salt: To season and enhance all the other flavors.

For the Rich and Creamy Tikka Masala Sauce:

This luscious sauce is the heart of the dish, blending sweet tomatoes with a medley of spices and rich cream.

• Heavy Cream: The secret to the sauce’s signature richness and creamy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and spices.
• Tomato Sauce: The tangy base that gives the sauce its characteristic flavor and body.
• Garlic: Minced for depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Ginger: Minced to complement the garlic and add warmth.
• Onion: Finely chopped, forms the foundation of the sauce’s aromatic base, adding sweetness and body.
• Garam Masala: Added again to the sauce to layer in more complex spice notes.
• Cumin: Ground cumin for its earthy, warm presence.
• Turmeric: For color and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Coriander: Ground coriander adds a mild, citrusy-sweet note.
• Chili Powder: Contributes a smoky heat; different from cayenne.
• Cayenne Pepper: For an adjustable spicy kick in the sauce.
• Salt: To season the sauce to perfection.
• Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle bite.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to create an unforgettable Chicken Tikka Masala that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, fresh ginger, garam masala, cayenne pepper, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Cut your boneless chicken (breast or thighs work best) into uniform bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. For the most profound and delicious flavor, I highly recommend marinating the chicken overnight.
2. Broil the Marinated Chicken: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. To make cleanup a breeze, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Broil the chicken for approximately 3–4 minutes on one side until slightly charred. Then, carefully flip each piece and broil for another 2–3 minutes. The goal here is to get a beautiful char and partially cook the chicken; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through as it will finish simmering in the rich sauce.
3. Sauté the Aromatics for the Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or a deep saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and turn a lovely golden-brown color. Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until they become wonderfully fragrant, releasing their inviting aromas.
4. Toast the Spices for Depth: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder into the pan with the aromatics. Stir continuously for approximately 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast gently. This crucial step “blooms” the spices, releasing their full aromatic potential and blending them seamlessly with the onion mixture, creating a complex flavor base for your sauce.
5. Simmer the Flavorful Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by the cayenne pepper (adjusting to your desired spice level), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a smoother, restaurant-style sauce, you can use an immersion blender at this stage to puree it until silky, before adding the chicken.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the broiled chicken pieces directly into the simmering sauce. Don’t forget to scrape any delicious juices from the baking sheet into the pan – these add even more flavor! Stir gently to coat all the chicken in the rich, spiced tomato mixture.
7. Finish with Cream for Velvety Texture: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring, ensuring it blends smoothly into the sauce without curdling. Increase the heat slightly to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. The sauce will become wonderfully thick and velvety. Taste and adjust the salt and cayenne pepper as needed to achieve your perfect balance of flavor and spice.
8. Serve and Savor: Ladle generous portions of the homemade Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of freshly steamed rice. For an authentic touch and a burst of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with warm naan bread on the side – it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, flavorful sauce. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality Indian meal at home!

Expert Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala

Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala at home is easy with these expert tips:

• Opt for Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness: While chicken breasts can be used, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are inherently more forgiving and tend to stay significantly juicier and more flavorful. They are less prone to drying out during the broiling and simmering process, ensuring a more tender result.
• Achieve a Silky Smooth Sauce by Blending: If you desire the signature silky-smooth texture often found in restaurant tikka masala, consider using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender) to puree the sauce *before* adding the broiled chicken. This step eliminates any small onion or ginger pieces, resulting in a perfectly refined consistency.
• Customize Your Spice Level: The beauty of homemade cooking is the ability to personalize. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used in both the marinade and the sauce. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to add a bit more cayenne or even a pinch of red chili flakes. Always taste and adjust as you go!
• Dairy-Free Alternative with Coconut Milk: For a delicious dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream in the sauce for an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk. This alternative not only makes the dish dairy-free but also adds a subtle, slightly tropical twist to the flavor profile, without compromising on creaminess.
• Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Meals: To make busy weeknights easier, take advantage of the make-ahead friendly nature of this recipe. Marinate the chicken the day before, and pre-chop your onions, garlic, and ginger. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, ready to go when you are.
• Freeze Leftovers for Future Enjoyment: Chicken Tikka Masala freezes exceptionally well! Once cooked and cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove for a quick and easy homemade meal whenever you need it.

Explore More Delicious Chicken Dinners

If you loved this Chicken Tikka Masala, be sure to check out these other fantastic chicken recipes from our collection:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Baked Chicken Bites
• King Ranch Chicken
• Mushroom Chicken
• Fiesta Chicken Casserole

4.98 from 48 votes

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

By Erin Sellin

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe features tender, yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a rich, spiced curry sauce. It’s truly the best way to enjoy a restaurant-quality Indian meal at home! Serve with steamed rice and warm naan bread for an authentic experience.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Additional Time (Marinade): 1 hr

Total: 1 hr 45 mins

Servings: 5

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Equipment

• Pot and Pan Set
• Measuring Spoons
• Small Sheet Pan

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken, breast or thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 Tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

Tikka Masala Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon garam masala
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 Tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 14 oz tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (reduce if you want it mild)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon minced ginger, 1 Tablespoon garam masala, 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt for the marinade. Add 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs, cut into pieces) and mix until everything is well coated. Cover and place in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat your oven to Broil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet (lined with foil for easy cleanup). Cook for 3-4 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for 2-3 minutes more. The chicken should be slightly charred but not fully cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. In a large sauce pan, heat 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Add 1 Tablespoon minced garlic and 1 Tablespoon minced ginger to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in 1 Tablespoon garam masala, 1 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 Tablespoon ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Mix with the onions and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
6. Add 14 oz tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce for milder), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until all the spices are well blended into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. If you desire a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or traditional blender to process until smooth at this point.
7. Add the broiled chicken and any accumulated juices from the baking sheet to the sauce. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling gently and thickens to a velvety consistency.
8. Serve generously over white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with warm naan bread on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal |
Carbohydrates: 14g |
Protein: 45g |
Fat: 34g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 178mg |
Sodium: 1517mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time (Marinade): 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 5

Calories: 541

Keyword: chicken tikka masala, Indian food, creamy chicken curry

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