Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

A deliciously spicy and creamy dish featuring tender chunks of grilled chicken in a flavorful tikka masala sauce.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus marination)
  • Servings: 6

Full Ingredient List

  • 1½ lbs. boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 1½ cups onions, chopped
  • 1 green chilli (optional)
  • 1½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 500 grams fresh tomatoes or 1¼ cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup heavy cream or cashew cream
  • 3 tablespoons kasuri methi
  • 3 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped

Chicken Marinade

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1½ lbs. Chicken (boneless thighs or breasts) Cube to 1 to 1½ inch pieces
½ cup Greek yogurt Use strained or hung curd
1 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste Or grated
1 tablespoon Kasuri methi Dried fenugreek leaves
1 tablespoon Lemon juice Avoid if using sour yogurt
1 tablespoon Oil Use mustard oil if available
½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
1 teaspoon Garam masala
¼ teaspoon Turmeric
1 teaspoon Coriander powder
½ teaspoon Cumin powder
½ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cube the chicken into 1 to 1½ inch pieces and pat dry. Add all marinade ingredients and mix well. (Tips: Make sure the chicken is dry before marinating to enhance flavor absorption.)
  2. Step 2: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 8 hours and up to 48 hours. (Tips: For best results, allow the chicken to marinate overnight.)

Tikka Masala Sauce

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
3 tablespoons Oil or ghee
1½ cups Onions Chopped, 1 large or 2 medium
1 Green chilli Optional
1 teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste Or grated
½ to 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
2 teaspoons Garam masala
1 tablespoon Coriander powder
1 to 1½ teaspoon Cumin powder
1 to 2 teaspoons Sugar
500 grams or 1¼ cup Tomatoes or tomato puree Puree or chop
1 cup Hot water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the oil or ghee in a pan, add chopped onions and salt, and sauté until deep golden. (Tips: Ensure the onions are well cooked to develop their sweetness.)
  2. Step 2: Add ginger garlic paste and green chilli, sauté until fragrant. (Tips: Do not overcook to prevent burning.)
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat and add chilli powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. (Tips: Stir quickly to avoid burning the spices.)
  4. Step 4: Add the tomatoes and cook until the masala thickens. (Tips: Purée the sauce for a smooth consistency if desired.)

Chicken Tikka and Sauce Finalization

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
Grilled chicken tikka
½ cup Heavy cream or cashew cream
1 tablespoon Kasuri methi
3 tablespoons Coriander leaves Chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grill the marinated chicken in the oven, air fryer, or skillet until fully cooked and slightly charred. (Tips: If using a skillet, ensure the heat is high enough to achieve a good sear.)
  2. Step 2: Add sugar and cream to the tikka masala sauce, stir to combine, and simmer until thick and aromatic. (Tips: Adjust seasoning as needed.)
  3. Step 3: Add grilled chicken tikka to the sauce, stir in kasuri methi, and garnish with coriander leaves. (Tips: Ensure the sauce is thick before adding the chicken.)

Additional Information

Notes: This recipe can be adjusted for heat by varying the amount of chili powder. For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika.

Tags

Indian Dinner Chicken Spicy