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Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe photo

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced delight that's surprisingly easy to make at home!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 pounds chicken (both thighs and breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated garlic
  • 1/2 lemon juice (about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • to taste coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 small red onion (peeled and diced)
  • 1 thinly sliced serrano pepper (seeded)
  • 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
  • 3 cups tomato puree
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (finely minced)

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the yogurt, grated ginger, grated garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, fenugreek (if using), and garam masala. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserve the marinade) and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated ginger, grated garlic, and sliced serrano pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in 2 teaspoons of Kashmiri chili powder and 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of garam masala. Cook for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ flavors. Then, add the tomato puree and chicken stock, stirring to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add back the cooked chicken and any reserved marinade, stirring well to incorporate everything.
  • Once the chicken is heated through, stir in the heavy whipping cream and fenugreek (if using). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in the minced fresh cilantro. Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite side.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, grill or broil the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
  • Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavor significantly.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of serrano pepper and Kashmiri chili powder based on your preference.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy, Spicy