Description
A rich and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a spiced tomato cream sauce. This easy homemade version delivers bold Indian-inspired flavors in a comforting, restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and chili powder, simmering for 5–7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm over rice or with naan.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust chili powder to control spice level.
- Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
