Chicken Tikka Masala (2024)

This easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is full of authentic flavors, filling, and easy to make. A great homemade Indian-inspired dish that your family can enjoy and it only takes 30 minutes to make. A family favorite all year round.

Simple stovetop chicken tikka masala that’s bold, rich, creamy, and loaded with authentic flavors. Tender chunks of chicken cooked in a creamy coconut milk authentic sauce, and then served with a side of white rice. An easy way to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine right at home and it’s not spicy at all so the kids could enjoy it as well. Serve this Indian chicken tikka masala with any rice of choice or with cauliflower rice and naan bread. A simple comforting meal that’s hassle-free, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Why you will love this chicken tikka masala

• Family friendly: This is a simple chicken dinner recipe that the whole family will love.
• Simple, easy, and quick: You won’t have to work too hard to make this chicken tikka masala. It is so simple, takes about 30 minutes on your stove-top, and so easy.
• So flavorful: If you love an authentic Indian cuisine, then you will love this chicken tikka masala. Bring your favorite restaurant dish right that home. It is homemade and tastes just as good.

Ingredients and substitues for the homemade tikka masala

• Chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized cubes. If you would like to use boneless chicken thighs thats fine, trim fat off. For vegetarian option, use tofu.
• Greek yogurt: If you don’t like Greek yogurt, use plain whole milk. For a dairy-free option, you may use almond or coconut milk.
• Fresh lemon juice: Do not use botteled lemon juice unless you have no other choice.
• Garlic and ginger: use fresh, not powder.
• Seasonings: Chili powder or paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, salt, ground coriander, an tumeric powder.
• Olive oil: or any other neutral tasting oil.
• Yellow Onion: use yellow cooking onion or white sweet onion.
• Tomato Sauce: use canned tomato sauce unless you would like to make your own. There are great organic options in stores.
• Coconut milk: We are using the ones in the cans. The thicker ones that are similar to heavy cream. Not the coconut milk you drink.
• Cilantro: This is used to garnish and gives the dish an overall kick in flavor. If you do not like cilantro, you may skip or use parsley.
• Lemon wedges: used to granish or for some extra zest. But if you don’t care for it you may skip.

How to make this authentic tikka masala

1. In a medium bowl prepare the marination by combining the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, chili powder, ground cumin, garam masala, and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight).

2. Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add oil. Once the oil is heated add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set them aside.

3. To the same skillet add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and garlic, saute for 3-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add in the spices; paprika, coriander, garam masala, salt, and turmeric powder. Saute for a minute.

5. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for a couple of minutes. When the sauce is thickened add the coconut milk and cook for 5 minutes.

6. Once the tikka masala starts bubbling add the chicken back to the pot and allow the masala to simmer for 10 minutes on a low flame.

7. After the chicken is cooked through add in the chopped cilantro and turn off the heat.

8. Serve the creamy chicken tikka masala with a bowl of rice to enjoy!

Recipe notes and tips

• Keep it a vegetarian meal by using tofu instead of chicken
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To freeze: place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• If you do not like coconut milk, you may use heavy cream if you arent counting calories.
• For lactose-free option, do use dairy-free yogurt and the coconut milk.
• Use all fresh ingredients if possible. So fresh garlic, fresh lemon, and fresh lemons.
• Best served with white rice, or to keep it a low carb meal, use cauliflower rice.

frequently asked questons

More Simple and healthy chicken recipe to try

• Easy Butter Chicken
• Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Creamy Chicken Fajita Skillet
• Cheesy Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Instant Pot Chicken Curry
• Thai Green Chicken Curry
• Turkey Meatballs in Curry Sauce

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