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chicken tikka masala recipe

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Enjoy this comforting chicken tikka masala recipe, perfect for spice lovers and easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 6 hours
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • pan
  • Wire rack
  • - Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Spice Paste

  • 2 cloves Garlic freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Tomato Puree
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or coconut cream for dairy-free

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts or thigh fillets
  • 1 cup Whole-Milk Yogurt Greek yogurt can be substituted

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Ghee
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 2 count Fresh Red Chiles adjust quantity for spice preference

For Garnish and Accompaniments

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves optional
  • 2 cups Steamed Basmati Rice
  • 4 pieces Naan

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, tomato paste, and kosher salt. Mix until you have a smooth paste.
  • Take half of the spice paste and mix it with whole-milk yogurt and a pinch of salt. Coat your chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours.
  • Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped yellow onion and fresh red chiles until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining spice paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato puree and heavy cream, then add a little water for desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  • Preheat your broiler. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on a wire rack and broil for 10-12 minutes until slightly charred outside and partially cooked.
  • Cut the broiled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the simmering sauce, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Stir well to coat.
  • Stir in freshly chopped cilantro and serve your Chicken Tikka Masala with steaming basmati rice and warm naan.

Notes

Reheating tip: Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens.
Keyword chicken tikka masala recipe, comfort food, homemade, Indian cuisine, Restaurant-Quality, spicy chicken