Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Here's How To Make This Iconically Indian Dish At Home

Chicken Tikka Masala can be just as delicious, if not better, than restaurant curries! What’s great about it? You can make it in one pan, with love, in your kitchen.

chicken tikka masala at home

Bored with your usual dinner routine? Why not try making chicken tikka masala? This flavourful dish features marinated chicken pieces roasted to perfection and simmered in a spiced, creamy, orange sauce. Originally crafted by South Asian chefs in Great Britain, chicken tikka masala has become a global favourite, found in restaurants worldwide. The term ‘tikka’ means ‘piece’ or ‘chunk,’ highlighting the charred, tender chicken pieces. If you're eager to try your hand at making this dish, we've included a recipe by Sanjeev Kapoor to guide you through the process.

How To Make Chicken Tikka Masala

chicken tikka masala recipe

1. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl and add the following marinade ingredients: yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, garam masala, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours.

2. Remove from the refrigerator. Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan and add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Add garlic and ginger to the same pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the onions and cook until they turn translucent.

4. Add tomatoes, mix well, and cook until they soften. Season with salt and mix. Stir in the tomato puree, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

5. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, green cardamom powder, and garam masala powder. Mix and cook for 1 minute.

6. Incorporate the cashew paste, mix well, and cook for another minute. Add dried fenugreek leaves powder and mix thoroughly. Stir in butter and combine well.

7. Add the chicken back into the pan and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the cream and mix. Serve hot with basmati rice or roti.

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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Card

Chicken Tikka Masala can be just as delicious, if not better, than restaurant curries! What’s great about it? You can make it in one pan, with love, in your kitchen.
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  • Total Time :50 min
  • Preparation Time : 40 min
  • Cooking Time : 20 min
  • Servings : 5
  • Cooking Level : High
  • Course: Main Course
  • Calories: 1200
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Author: Itisha Arya

Ingredients

  • Chicken Marinade: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
  • cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For Sauce: 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • chopped
  • 2 medium yellow onions chopped
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups tomato puree
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 4 tablespoons cashew paste (soaked cashews
  • drained and pureed)
  • 2 teaspoons dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Step

  • Step 1 :

    Combine 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (1-inch pieces) with 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped garlic, 1 tbsp chopped ginger, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Marinate for a few hours or overnight.

  • Step 2 :

    Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a deep pan. Cook marinated chicken in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

  • Step 3 :

    Sauté 5 chopped garlic cloves and 1-inch chopped ginger in the same pan for 30 seconds.

  • Step 4 :

    Add 2 chopped onions and cook until translucent.

  • Step 5 :

    Add 2 chopped tomatoes, cook until softened, and season with salt.

  • Step 6 :

    Stir in 4 cups tomato puree, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

  • Step 7 :

    Add 2 tsp coriander powder, 2 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp cardamom powder, and 2 tsp garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.

  • Step 8 :

    Stir in 4 tbsp cashew paste and cook for 1 minute.

  • Step 9 :

    Add 2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves and 4 tbsp butter.

  • Step 10 :

    Return the chicken to the pan, cook for 1 minute, then add ½ cup heavy cream.