This Chicken Tikka Masala is your go‑to curry with tender, marinated chicken in a rich, spiced tomato‑cream sauce that rivals any restaurant dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, well‑balanced flavor built in layers from spices and aromatics
Versatile: you can grill, pan‑sear, oven‑bake, or air‑fry the chicken
Great for prepping ahead—both marinade and sauce can be made early

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
– 1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), diced
– ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (hung curd)
– ½–1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
– 1 tsp garam masala
– ¼ tsp turmeric
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– ½ tsp cumin powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 Tbsp lemon juice
– 1 Tbsp kasuri methi
– 1 Tbsp ginger‑garlic paste (or equivalent fresh)
– 1 Tbsp oil (mustard oil if available)

For the tikka masala sauce:
– 3 Tbsp oil or ghee
– 1½ cups (150 g) onions, finely chopped
– 1 green chili (optional)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 Tbsp ginger‑garlic paste
– ½–1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 Tbsp coriander powder
– 1–1½ tsp cumin powder
– 1 to 2 tsp sugar
– 1.1 lb (500 g) tomatoes (pureed or chopped) or 1¼ cup (10 oz) tomato puree/passata
– 1 cup hot water (2 cups if using cashew cream)
– 1 Tbsp kasuri methi
– ½ cup heavy cream or cashew cream

For garnish:
– 3 Tbsp heavy cream
– 3 Tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Directions

Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, ginger‑garlic, oil, and kasuri methi. Chill for 8–48 h (min. 3 h if in a hurry).
Make the sauce: Sauté onions in oil/ghee until golden. Add ginger‑garlic and green chili, then the spices. Stir briefly, then add tomatoes. Cook until thickened. Add hot water and simmer for 10–12 min until fragrant and thick.
Grill or cook chicken:
- Oven: Bake at 240 °C (460 °F) for 9–10 min per side, then broil for char.
- Air fryer: 200 °C (400 °F) for 6 min per side.
- Skillet: Sear in 1 Tbsp oil for ~3–4 min per side until nearly cooked.
Finish the curry: Stir in cream or cashew cream plus sugar. Simmer until thick. Add grilled chicken and kasuri methi; cook 2–3 min until chicken is tender.
Garnish and serve: Stir in extra cream and coriander.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Marination: Minimum 3 hours (8–48 hours recommended)
Total Time: ~1 hour (plus marination)

Variations

Cashew Cream: Blend 30 cashews with ⅓ cup water for a rich, nutty substitute for heavy cream.
Whole Spices: Add bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom while sautéing onions for added depth. Remove before blending the sauce.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
Low Heat Version: Reduce chili powder and omit the green chili.
Fast Track: Use pre-grilled chicken or pre-made tikka sauce for a quicker meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of cream or water to restore consistency.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Is Chicken Tikka Masala The Same As Butter Chicken?

No, butter chicken is sweeter, has a smooth sauce, and is made with butter. Tikka masala is spicier and chunkier with onions in the gravy.

2. Which Chicken Cut Works Best—Thighs Or Breasts?

Chicken thighs stay juicier. Chicken breasts need longer marination to stay tender.

3. Can I Skip The Marination?

Marination enhances flavor and tenderness. If short on time, marinate for at least 3 hours.

4. Can I Use Canned Tomato Puree?

Yes, but avoid those with citric acid, which can cause a metallic taste.

5. How Do I Add Smoky Flavor Without A Tandoor?

Briefly broil grilled chicken or use a hot skillet to char. You can also use the charcoal smoking method.

6. Can I Make This In Advance?

Yes. The marinade and sauce can be made a day ahead. Combine and heat just before serving.

7. Is This Freezer-Friendly?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

8. How Can I Reduce Acidity From Tomatoes?

Blend the cooked sauce if using canned tomatoes. Adding cream or sugar also helps.

9. How Spicy Is This Dish?

It’s mildly spicy with Kashmiri chili powder. Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing chili quantities.

10. What Side Dishes Go Well With It?

Serve with naan, basmati rice, roti, cucumber raita, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tikka Masala delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor with its creamy, spiced sauce and tender marinated chicken. Whether you grill, bake, or sear your chicken, the result is a deeply satisfying dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.