Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Made with the signature yoghurt marinated and charred chicken smothered in a tomato infused Indian curry sauce, this bold and spicy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is hands down one of the best additions to your weekly repertoire. What’s even better? You already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Serve this chicken tikka masala over a bed of fluffy dried rice or alongside melt-in-the-mouth garlic naan, and even the pickiest eaters won’t settle for just one serving.

Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a true gem in the vibrant world of Indian cuisine. Food enthusiasts worldwide cherish it for its irresistible combination of heat, depth, and complexity. This recipe is for those days when your tastebuds want to break free from the ordinary and crave something bold and fiery.

If you think Chicken Tikka Masala is a “restaurant-only dish,” let me share a little secret: it’s surprisingly easy to master right in your own kitchen. As someone who’s always had a passion for cooking and exploring new flavors, I can attest that with a few basic pantry staples and a deceptively easy preparation method, you can easily recreate this beloved dish. With this Easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, you can do just that.

It all starts with marinating the chicken with tikka masala marinade, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop. The combination of spices, including Kashmiri chili, Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, and tomato-infused sauce, make your curry explode with flavor. Then, as it simmers away on the stove, leaving behind the flavor bomb bits and pieces at the bottom and finishing them in the sauce later in a tikka masala sauce, you’ll eagerly anticipate the first bite. Each mouthful is a feast for the senses, from the subtle sweetness of the tomato sauce to the warmth of the spices that linger on your palate.

What is the difference between Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken?

Many people confuse Chicken Tikka Masala with another Indian delicacy, butter chicken, but the two recipes are entirely different. Tikka Masala features marinated chicken boneless chicken that is charred in a pan and then simmered in a rich, tomato-based tikka masala sauce with onions and spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder. It has a bold and spice-forward flavor profile synonymous with traditional Indian cuisine.

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is essentially cooked in a tomato and butter-infused gravy, without the onions, and can use bone-in or boneless chicken, depending on your preference. Made with chicken that’s marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. It’s known for its rich, smooth, creamy butter sauce with mild spices and a hint of sweetness.

Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients

Chicken Tenderloin – These tender pieces of chicken provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the rich flavors of chicken tikka marinade and tikka masala sauce. I have used Chicken Tenderloins. You can also use chicken thighs to cut down on marinating time. Thighs only need 10 minutes to soak all those flavors in, making them a perfect cut when you are in a pinch.

Yogurt – Creamy and tangy, yogurt tenderizes the chicken, preventing it from being dry, and adds a subtle acidity to the marinade, balancing out the richness of the spices.

Oil – Helps to seal in the moisture of the chicken as it cooks, ensuring that each bite is juicy and succulent.

Kashmiri Chili – Vibrant and fiery, Kashmiri chili powder is the signature spice of chicken tikka masala that adds a beautiful red hue to the dish and a gentle kick of heat. I highly recommend not to skip it; however, if you can’t find Kashmiri chili, any ground red chili powder or Cayenne powder will work! Just adjust the amount depending on the heat you can handle.

Garam Masala – This aromatic blend of spices with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves lends a warm and inviting flavor to the dish.

Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander – These spices are the backbone of Indian cuisine, adding earthiness, warmth, and depth of flavor to this authentic Indian delicacy.

Salt and Pepper – Simple yet essential, salt enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors, while pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity.

Ginger and Garlic – These aromatic gems are the heart and soul of Indian cooking, infusing the dish with their pungent aroma and bold flavor. Grated fresh for maximum impact, they add a zingy kick that cuts through the sauce’s richness.

Onions – Sweet and savory, diced onions lend a depth of flavor to the sauce as they caramelize in the pan, releasing their natural sugars and adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Tomato Sauce – The base of the curry, tomato sauce provides a tangy and slightly sweet backdrop for the spices to shine. It adds richness and body to the dish, creating a velvety sauce that coats each piece of chicken.

Heavy Whipping Cream – The crowning glory, heavy whipping cream, adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, balancing out the heat of the spices and adding a decadent richness to every bite.

Cilantro – The finishing touch of fresh cilantro adds freshness and color, brightening up the flavors and bringing everything together in perfect harmony.

How to make the Best Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloin in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with oil and add yogurt to the bowl.

Mix Kashmiri chili, gram masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, pepper, grated ginger, and grated garlic in a separate bowl. Pour half the spice mixture into the bowl with the chicken and yogurt. Reserve the other half for later use.

Toss the chicken thoroughly to coat it with spices and yogurt. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours.

Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until charred nicely on each side, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a separate plate.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the remaining spice mixture to the skillet, along with any leftover grated ginger and garlic. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.

Pour in the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Blend the Sauce

Remove everything from the skillet and transfer it to a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth, adding a little water to achieve a sauce-like consistency.

Simmer the Sauce

Return the blended mixture to the skillet and add the cooked chicken. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.

Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Stir occasionally.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot over fluffy rice or with garlic naan.

Recipe Tips

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Take your time with the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 to 4 hours ensures it absorbs all the spices’ flavors.

Get that Smoky Charred Crust: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to achieve that deliciously smoky charred crust. Additionally, ensure that your marinade is thick and not runny. This prevents the chicken from releasing too much moisture while cooking, allowing the spices to stay on the chicken instead of coming off onto the pan.

Sear Chicken in Batches: When searing chicken, it’s imperative to do it in batches to ensure that each piece gets evenly cooked and develops a beautiful crust. Overcrowding the pan can make chicken simmer in its juices rather than frying or charring properly.

Don’t Skip the Blending: Blending the sauce melds all the flavors together and creates a silky smooth curry sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.