Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish that's easy to make at home. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with just the right hint of spices. The result is a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight. Plus, it uses pantry staples and simple steps that even beginners can follow. Pair it with my Easy Zucchini & Halloumi Bake for a delicious combo dinner.
Why You'll Love Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
Make this easy homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe with tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and bold spices. Perfect quick weeknight comfort food!
- Rich and creamy tomato-based sauce with authentic spices
- Juicy, marinated chicken pieces cooked to perfection
- Simple ingredients easily found in most kitchens
- Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
Chicken thighs: Best for juicy, flavorful results; substitute with chicken breasts, but avoid overcooking.Greek yogurt: Use plain full-fat for creamy marinade; can substitute with regular yogurt or coconut yogurt for dairy-free.
- Chicken thighs: Best for juicy, flavorful results; substitute with chicken breasts, but avoid overcooking.
- Greek yogurt: Use plain full-fat for creamy marinade; can substitute with regular yogurt or coconut yogurt for dairy-free.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, half the garlic, ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook the chicken: Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and remaining garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Expert Tips for Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
- Marinate chicken overnight to deepen flavor and tenderize.
- Use canned tomato puree for authentic, smooth sauce texture.
- Sear chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
Make this easy homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe with tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and bold spices. Perfect quick weeknight comfort food!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups canned tomato puree
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Drizzle of cream or yogurt
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread (for serving)
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, half the garlic, ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and remaining garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the tomato puree, stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy and heated through. Adjust salt and spice to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe FAQs
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Marinate the chicken ahead and store in the fridge or freeze the fully cooked dish.
You can substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free option or use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Overcooking chicken, especially breasts, can cause dryness. Use thighs for moistness and avoid cooking chicken fully when searing as it will cook more in the sauce.
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Before You Go
If you try this Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.