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Chicken Tikka Masala

Abigail
This easy chicken tikka masala recipe features tender yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce spiced with garam masala, cumin, ginger, and coriander. It’s an authentic Indian curry perfect for busy nights yet elegant enough to serve guests. Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly creamy every time!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6
Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp ginger paste or 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/3 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/3 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger paste or 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 2/3 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup double or heavy cream

For serving:

  • Cooked rice
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, salt, coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, stir to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
  • While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Sauté the onion for 5–6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Stir in the ginger paste and paprika. Cook for another minute to release the aroma of the spices.
  • Pour in the tomato passata, stir, and simmer for 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the marinated chicken, stir to combine, and simmer for 20-25  minutes until tender and fully cooked through.
  • Pour in the cream, stir, and cook until the sauce has slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning, if desired.
  • Serve hot with rice, fresh cilantro, and vegetables if desired.

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Masala

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a thick, luxurious marinade.
  • Marinate longer to let the flavors infuse.
  • Simmer, don’t boil—a gentle simmer keeps the sauce creamy.
  • For smokiness, grill the marinated chicken before adding it to the pan.
  • Balance spice with cream: if it’s too spicy, stir in more cream or a little sugar. 

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 551mgPotassium: 814mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 2mg
Keyword authentic indian curry
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