Chicken tikka Masala : Homemade

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that showcases the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine.
chicken tikka pinit

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that showcases the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. Marinated pieces of chicken are grilled or baked until tender, then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with a blend of spices. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Often enjoyed with basmati rice or naan, Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite both in India and around the world, making it a staple for any Indian food lover.

Chicken tikka Masala : Homemade

The result is a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Often enjoyed with basmati rice or naan, Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite both in India and around the world, making it a staple for any Indian food lover.

Rest Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs Cooking Temp: 200  °C Servings: 3 Calories: 30 Best Season: Winter, festival, holi, diwali, party, special occassions, snacks

Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade

For the Sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    • In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
    • Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  1. Cook the Chicken
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
    • Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers or place them on a baking sheet.
    • Cook the chicken for 10–15 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly charred, turning occasionally. Set aside.
  1. Prepare the Sauce
    • In a large pan, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
    • Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
    • Add the tomato puree and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes
  1. Finish the Dish
    • Stir in the cream or coconut milk and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
    • Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
    • Adjust salt to taste.
  1. Garnish and Serve
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro.
    • Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite Indian bread.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 3


Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.37g24%
Saturated Fat 3.9g20%
Cholesterol 88mg30%
Sodium 575mg24%
Potassium 535mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 14.69g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
Sugars 8.37g
Protein 30.74g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but if you're short on time, an hour will still yield good results.
  • Cooking Method: The chicken can be cooked in an oven, on a grill, or even pan-fried if you prefer.
  • Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream/coconut milk or water, depending on your preference.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs are actually more flavorful and remain juicy when cooked. They work well in this recipe.

Is Chicken Tikka Masala very spicy?

The dish is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder to the marinade and sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them when ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stove.

Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?

Absolutely! The dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

How can I make the dish dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of cream, and replace butter with a plant-based oil. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

Desi Dish

Food Blogger

Hi, I'm desidish, a full-time food blogger. I live in Delhi with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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