This easy chicken tikka masala recipe is so much better than takeout! Tender yogurt-marinated bits of chicken are smothered in a buttery, flavorful sauce that is out of this world delicious. Serve it with a heaping scoop of biryani rice and a side of naan bread!

In addition, explore more of my Indian favorites and definitely try our Jeera Rice for a simple yet delicious side, or dive deeper into the rich tastes with my recipes for Mulligatawny Stew and Chicken Korma.

 

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

My love affair with Chicken Tikka Masala began during a trip to Australia back in my early college days. Amidst my enjoyment of local favorites like chicken satay and maki, this is when I first encountered tikka masala, and I was instantly smitten. The bold flavors had me hooked from the first tasty bite! My co-travelers were so confused that I had never tried Indian food. They didn’t realize I was from IndianA, not India. 😆

Thus, friends, brace yourself for a flavorful meal with this fantastic recipe! My from-scratch Chicken tikka masala features yogurt-marinated, pan-fried chicken seasoned with an incredible spice mix and cooked in a creamy tomato sauce that’s worth a finger-licking moment. This recipe stands tall among the best Indian-inspired foods I’ve ever tasted, and it’s probably one of the most popular curries in the world.

If you’re new to Indian cuisine or hesitant to try it, this is your perfect starting point. Begin with the beloved classics and favorite Indian dishes like butter chicken, rogan josh, and this easy chicken tikka masala. I promise you’re going to fall in love with these rich flavors! They’ll have you whipping up popular curries—like Massaman curry—and thinking about the delicious experience long after your plate is clean!

What You’ll Need

To recreate this favorite Indian restaurant dish at home, gather the following ingredients from your local grocery stores. You’ll likely have most of these in your pantry already, except perhaps for the more specific curry spices. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

For the chicken marinade

• Chicken breasts – You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-size cubes.
• Plain yogurt – The yogurt tenderizes the meat and also helps it absorb flavor.
• Garlic – I use around six cloves of fresh garlic, but garlic powder could also work here.
• Spices – To give the chicken a vibrant and deep flavor, we will use several spices, including garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, sweet paprika, coriander, salt, chili powder, and ground ginger.

For the Sauce

• Vegetable oil – Used for frying because of its neutral flavor. Substitute with Canola or sunflower oil.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce, but you could use Ghee for a more authentic flavor.
• Yellow onion – White onion is okay as well, but don’t use a red onion.
• Garlic – Substitute a couple of teaspoons of garlic powder if fresh is not available.
• Spices – Garam masala, sweet paprika, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and ground ginger.
• Kosher salt – To enhance all the flavors.
• Tomato Sauce – You’ll need a can of tomato sauce or use tomato puree.
• Heavy cream – Provides a creamy, rich texture to the sauce. Coconut milk or Half & Half are great alternatives.
• Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh cilantro – Chopped cilantro makes for a nice and herby garnish

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best chicken tikka masala at home. With a great recipe and simple instructions, even novice home cooks can recreate this popular curry that’s so darn delicious!

1. Marinate. In a large bowl combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, spices, and salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
2. Cook the chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and continue to cook the remaining chicken. Set aside the cooked chicken and keep it covered.
3. Saute onions. Wipe down the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the onions, salt, and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and spices: Add garlic and stir in sweet paprika, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue to cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Add tomato sauce. Stir in tomato sauce and water. For a more concentrated tomato flavor, you can also add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste.
6. Simmer. Bring the mixture to a simmer; cover and reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add heavy cream. Remove the cover and blend the sauce with an immersion blender, then whisk in the heavy cream until it’s thoroughly combined.
8. Add sugar and butter. Whisk in the sugar and butter. Stir until the butter is melted.
9. Add chicken. Add the chicken back to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
10. Serve. Serve it over basmati rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve chicken tikka over long-grain white rice like jasmine rice or basmati. Then, I top it with chopped fresh cilantro. If you don’t have fresh cilantro or you don’t love the flavor, you can swap it for chopped fresh parsley or scallions.

You’ll also want naan, lavash bread, or any pita bread on the side to sop up the sauce. What would also be good is some Indian samosas and a side of this refreshing cabbage cucumber salad.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow your leftovers to come to room temperature before storing. You can store them in an airtight container in your fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, simply add the chicken to a pan and warm it over medium heat.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

Looking for more ideas? I have tons of chicken dinner ideas for you to explore! Here are some of my favorites:

• Tandoori Chicken
• Chicken Shawarma
• Orange Chicken
• Hunan Chicken
• Chicken Marsala