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Chicken Tikka Masala


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  • Author: Yusraa
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus marination)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and creamy curry made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-cream sauce, perfect for restaurant-quality meals at home.


Ingredients

 lb (700 g) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), diced

½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (hung curd)

½1 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

1 Tbsp oil (mustard oil if available)

3 Tbsp oil or ghee

 cups (150 g) onions, finely chopped

1 green chili (optional)

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp ginger‑garlic paste

½1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

2 tsp garam masala

1 Tbsp coriander powder

1 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

3 Tbsp heavy cream (for garnish)

3 Tbsp chopped coriander leaves


Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by mixing it with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, ginger‑garlic paste, oil, and kasuri methi. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably 8–48 hours.
  2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Sauté onions until golden brown.
  3. Add green chili (if using), ginger‑garlic paste, and spices. Stir briefly.
  4. Add tomato puree and cook until thickened.
  5. Pour in hot water and simmer for 10–12 minutes until fragrant and thick.
  6. Cook the marinated chicken using your preferred method (oven, air fryer, or skillet) until nearly cooked through.
  7. Add cream or cashew cream and sugar to the sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and kasuri methi to the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is tender and coated.
  9. Garnish with additional cream and chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
  • To reduce spiciness, skip green chili and reduce chili powder.
  • Cashew cream makes a great dairy-free substitute for heavy cream.
  • Can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg