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Chicken Tikka Masala

Bring the flavors of your favorite Indian-inspired restaurant to your kitchen with this creamy Chicken Tikka Masala. Tender yogurt-marinated chicken is simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce packed with aromatic spices, making it a perfect easy dinner, comforting family meal, dinner idea, homemade curry recipe, and flavorful weeknight recipe that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

  • 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup water (optional)

For Serving

  •  Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Cooked basmati rice
  • Warm naan bread

Instructions

  1. Combine all marinade ingredients and coat the chicken thoroughly.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  3. Brown the chicken in a large skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and ginger.
  5. Stir in the spices and cook for one minute.
  6. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth.
  8. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until fully cooked.
  10. Garnish with cilantro and serve with basmati rice and warm naan.

Cooking Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner

Notes

  • Marinating overnight creates the most tender and flavorful chicken.
  • Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce silky smooth.
  • Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best authentic flavor.
  • Author: Emmy Carter

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