Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe – Restaurant Quality at Home
If you’ve ever had Chicken Tikka Masala at a restaurant and wondered how to recreate that deeply spiced, creamy, and flavorful dish at home—this recipe is for you. This classic Indian-inspired dish features tender marinated chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce with warming spices and a splash of cream for that signature luxurious finish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or trying to impress dinner guests, this Chicken Tikka Masala is a surefire hit. It’s full of bold flavor, yet incredibly easy to prepare with simple pantry spices and a few fresh ingredients.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish irresistible, and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala
- Packed with flavor: Layers of spices in both the marinade and sauce build a rich and aromatic profile.
- Better than takeout: Fresher ingredients and control over the spice level mean it tastes even better than restaurant versions.
- Versatile: It’s easy to adjust the heat, swap proteins, or even make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Meal prep friendly: Great for leftovers and perfect to batch cook and freeze.
This dish is perfect for spice lovers, comfort food seekers, and anyone looking to explore Indian-inspired cuisine from the comfort of their kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs 🍗
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt 🥄
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 🫒
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin 🌿
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander 🌿
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 🌿
- 1 teaspoon garam masala 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🍂
- Salt, to taste 🧂
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 🫒
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced 🫚
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin 🌿
- 2 teaspoons garam masala 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 🌿
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional) 🌶️
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🧴
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
- Salt, to taste 🧂
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Grill pan or second skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight containers (for storing leftovers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and all the marinade spices. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also builds deep flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until golden and soft (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Add cumin, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to bloom their flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, reducing slightly and intensifying in color and flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a separate pan or on a grill, cook the marinated chicken pieces over medium-high heat. Grill or sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. You can also roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Once cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
4. Combine & Simmer
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat well. Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and let simmer for another 5-7 minutes. The flavors will meld, and the sauce will turn silky and rich.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish and adjust salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or even jeera rice. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat: Add sliced green chilies or increase the cayenne pepper.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and a plant-based yogurt in the marinade.
- Vegetarian twist: Sub the chicken with tofu, paneer, or chickpeas. Marinate and cook similarly.
- Infuse deeper flavor: Instead of searing the chicken separately, cook the marinated chicken directly in the sauce.
- Shortcut tip: Use pre-minced garlic and ginger to save time on prep.
What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala
Pairing is everything when it comes to elevating your meal:
- Sides: Garlic naan, basmati rice, roti, or parathas.
- Salads: A crisp cucumber raita or Indian-style kachumber salad balances the heat.
- Drinks: A cold mango lassi, iced chai, or even a chilled lager beer complements the spices beautifully.
- Desserts: Cool down with mango kulfi or cardamom-scented rice pudding.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Chicken Tikka Masala stores beautifully, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it.
Q: Is Chicken Tikka Masala spicy?
A: Not necessarily! The spice level is mild unless you add extra cayenne or fresh chili. It’s flavorful rather than hot.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Cook the entire dish and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Q: What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
A: While both dishes are creamy tomato-based curries, Butter Chicken is generally sweeter and milder, often made with more butter and cream. Tikka Masala leans spicier and has a more complex spice profile.
Q: Can I use store-bought garam masala?
A: Yes! A good quality garam masala makes a big difference. You can also make your own blend for even fresher flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing a restaurant favorite like Chicken Tikka Masala into your home kitchen. This recipe is approachable yet authentic, delivering bold flavors with every bite. Once you’ve tried it, you may never order it out again!
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