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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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3.9 from 68 reviews

This easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe offers a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, blended for a smooth texture, and finished with yogurt and fresh coriander for a rich, authentic taste in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp soft brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 10 dried curry leaves
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 fresh green chili, depending on heat preference

Produce

  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 large onion, peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish and mixing)

Tomato Base

  • 400 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree

Dairy

  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt

Oils

  • 3 tbsp peanut oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat to prepare for the sautéing process.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion, sliced chili, grated ginger, and peeled garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add spices and sugar: Stir in chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and soft brown sugar. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
  4. Incorporate tomato base: Add tomato puree and canned chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
  5. Blend the sauce: Transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until the sauce becomes completely smooth for a rich, velvety texture.
  6. Brown the chicken: Return to the same pan and heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Fry the cubed chicken pieces until they are lightly browned on all sides.
  7. Simmer with sauce: Pour the blended tomato sauce back into the pan with the browned chicken. Add the dried curry leaves and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  8. Finish with yogurt and garnish: Stir in the natural yogurt and half of the chopped fresh coriander to add creaminess and fresh herb flavor. Garnish with the remaining coriander before serving.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of fresh green chili and chili powder.
  • Using natural yogurt adds creaminess without curdling, but avoid boiling after adding it.
  • For a richer sauce, a splash of cream can be added along with the yogurt.
  • Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
  • Make sure to blend the sauce thoroughly for the signature smooth texture of tikka masala.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/easy-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe/