Best Chicken Tikka Masala Curry
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy curry packed with bold spices and tender
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade
- 1½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- ¾ cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Masala Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1½ teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor). - Cook the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan. Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet and cook 15–20 minutes until slightly charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Set aside. - Make the Sauce:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
Stir in spices and tomato paste; cook until fragrant. Add tomato sauce and simmer 10–15 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in cream. Add cooked chicken and simmer 8–10 minutes until thick and creamy. Adjust salt and spice to taste.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- Chicken thighs give the most tender, flavorful results.
- For smokier flavor, broil the chicken briefly after baking.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy curry packed with bold spices and tender, marinated chicken. The chicken is first soaked in a yogurt-based marinade infused with garam masala, cumin, ginger, and garlic, ensuring every bite is deeply flavorful and juicy.
After roasting for a slight char, it’s simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce layered with aromatic spices and subtle warmth. The sauce is smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced between savory and mildly spicy. This homemade version rivals your favorite restaurant, delivering authentic taste with simple pantry ingredients. Served over fluffy basmati rice or scooped up with warm naan, it’s comforting, satisfying, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of creamy texture, fragrant spices, and tender chicken makes this curry one of the most beloved dishes in Indian-inspired cuisine, guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.
