If you have ever craved the rich, creamy flavors of Indian cuisine but thought it was complicated to make at home, this Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is here to delight your senses and simplify the process. With bold spices, tender marinated chicken, and a luscious tomato-based sauce that simmers to perfection, this dish is a wonderful way to bring warmth and color to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe offers authentic taste with straightforward steps that guarantee a satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has been thoughtfully selected for its ability to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. These essentials work together seamlessly, making the cooking process both simple and rewarding.
- 3 tablespoons oil: The base for sautéing aromatics, adding richness and depth.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce when softened.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: A fragrant blend of spices that forms the heart of the dish’s warmth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor providing a rich, savory base.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Offers pungency and a sharp aromatic kick.
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated/minced: Adds brightness and subtle heat.
- 1 28-ounce can kitchen ready tomatoes: Brings a fresh, tangy component and moisture to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, full fat works best: Creates the signature creaminess and helps balance spices.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh herbal notes at the end.
- Rice for serving: The perfect fluffy accompaniment to soak up the sauce.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless: Tender protein soaked in spice and yogurt marinade.
- 1 cup plain yogurt, full fat works best: For marinating the chicken to ensure tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the chicken with savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated/minced: Adds zesty warmth to the marinade.
- 2 teaspoons garam masala: Strengthens the bold spice character of the chicken.
How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, and garam masala in a large bowl. Cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes ensures each piece absorbs maximum marinade flavor. Once you mix the chicken with the spiced yogurt, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step is crucial not only for bold flavor but also for tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Preheat the Broiler and Begin the Sauce
While your chicken marinates, set your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn it on. This high heat will give the chicken pieces a beautifully charred, smoky finish, reminiscent of traditional tandoor cooking. Meanwhile, you can move on to preparing the sauce so everything finishes around the same time.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Spices
In a large pot over medium-high heat, pour in oil and add the diced onions. Cook them just until they soften and become translucent, about 2 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their sweetness and forms a flavorful base. Next, add garam masala, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger, stirring until everything is fragrant—this stimulates your senses and builds aromatic complexity.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the can of tomatoes and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low heat and cover. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and for the flavors to meld beautifully. This slow simmer intensifies the richness, giving you that signature silky texture.
Step 5: Broil the Chicken
Meanwhile, spread the marinated chicken cubes out on a sheet pan in a single layer. Broil for 5 minutes, then toss the pieces to promote even cooking and broil for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165ºF. The broiling creates a slight char, adding smoky flavor that elevates the dish’s complexity.
Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce
After removing the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. Turn the stove off under the sauce and gently stir in the yogurt and chopped cilantro, achieving that irresistibly creamy texture that balances the spices perfectly. Then fold the broiled chicken chunks into the sauce, allowing every piece to coat luxuriously before serving.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is the perfect bright garnish that adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of extra yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully, cutting through the creaminess and enhancing the vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish over a bed of steaming basmati rice to soak up every drop of sauce. You can also pair it with warm, fluffy naan bread for scooping or complement it with a simple cucumber raita to offer cool contrast to the dish’s rich, spicy character.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve chicken tikka masala in individual rustic bowls with vivid garnishes like toasted pine nuts or thinly sliced red onions. Another fun way is to stuff the chicken and sauce into warm pitas for a handheld twist. No matter how you present it, this dish is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken tikka masala tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the texture and taste fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the yogurt from separating. Adding a splash of water or cream can help restore the smooth texture. Microwave reheating also works fine if you stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is yogurt necessary in this recipe?
Yes, yogurt is key for marinating the chicken and bringing creaminess to the sauce. It tenderizes the chicken and balances the spices with its tangy richness.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is moderately spiced but easily adjustable. Add more garam masala or some chili powder for extra heat, or reduce spices for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the yogurt with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep the creaminess while catering to dairy restrictions.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers reheat wonderfully and can also be used as a filling for wraps or stuffed into baked potatoes for a delicious next-day meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, spiced dishes without the fuss. The depth of flavor combined with simple techniques makes it a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. So grab your ingredients, embrace the process, and treat yourself to the comforting, aromatic magic of chicken tikka masala right at home. You won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken simmered in a rich spiced tomato and yogurt sauce. Perfectly paired with rice or naan, this recipe delivers a satisfying and aromatic meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt, full fat works best
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated/minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated/minced
- 1 28-ounce can kitchen ready tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, full fat works best
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
To Serve
- Rice
- Naan (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, and garam masala. Mix well. Add chicken cubes and stir until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
- Preheat Broiler and Prepare Sauce: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the oven to broil. While heating, start on the sauce.
- Cook Onions: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and diced onions, cooking until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in garam masala, tomato paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger with onions. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then stir in the canned tomatoes and salt. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Broil the Chicken: Spread the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan. Place under the preheated broiler and cook for 5 minutes. Toss the chicken, then broil for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly charred.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat under the sauce. Stir in the half cup of yogurt and chopped cilantro until smoothly combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the broiled chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat each piece well. Let the flavors meld for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice and/or with naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient in a pinch.
- Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess and richer taste in both marinade and sauce.
- Carefully watch the chicken while broiling to avoid burning; cooking times may vary depending on oven wattage.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or fresh chopped green chilies to the marinade or sauce.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.
