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The Best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then broiled to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, fenugreek, and fresh ginger. Paired with basmati rice and warm naan, this classic Indian-inspired dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1–2 pounds total)
  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately half of one lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried ginger

For the Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons ghee (¼ cup)
  • ¾ cup minced white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
  • 1–2 medium serrano chiles (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 5–6 cloves)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 3 ½ teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (or deggi mirch powder for more vibrant color)
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (core and seeds removed, sliced into strips)
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves
  • salt (to taste)
  • 2 cups heavy cream (at room temperature)

To Serve

  • prepared basmati rice
  • finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • warmed naan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, trim as needed, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, black pepper, and dried ginger. Stir well to fully combine.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss or gently stir until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour up to 8 hours.
  4. Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ghee and melt completely. Add minced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Cook Aromatics: Add serrano chiles, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until the mixture turns a rich toffee color. Add a few drops of water if it sticks or dries out.
  6. Add Spices: Stir in garam masala and paprika, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Continue adding water if necessary to prevent sticking.
  7. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, stir well to combine, then remove skillet from heat and let cool slightly.
  8. Broil Chicken: Preheat broiler to high with the oven rack 10-12 inches below. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet, arrange marinated chicken pieces on it. Broil for 6-8 minutes, flipping periodically, until chicken reaches 160°F internal temperature. Remove and set aside.
  9. Blend Sauce: Transfer cooled sauce mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth, taking care with hot liquids.
  10. Simmer Sauce: Return sauce to skillet, add green bell pepper, dried fenugreek leaves, and salt. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes paste-like.
  11. Add Cream: Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream until smooth, then return to heat.
  12. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Adjust seasonings as desired, then add broiled chicken to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken and warm through over low heat.
  13. Serve: Plate prepared basmati rice, top with chicken tikka masala, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with warmed naan.

Notes

  • Use full-fat plain yogurt for the marinade to ensure tender chicken and rich flavor.
  • When blending hot sauce, either allow it to cool to avoid splatter or blend in small batches with the blender lid vented.
  • Basmati rice is preferred for serving due to its fragrance and fluffy texture.
  • Adjust serrano chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 8 hours) enhances flavor but avoid marinating overnight to prevent texture changes.

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Indian Dinner, Spiced Chicken, Creamy Tomato Curry

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/the-best-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe/