Chicken Tikka Masala – Yogurt marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce. Seriously the best! Serve with rice and Naan bread for a restaurant experience at home!
I love Indian food and curry in general. There are quite a few of those types of recipes already here on the blog. Coconut Chicken Curry is ready in minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your house, so it is one of my favorites. But Tikka Masala has taken me a little longer to master.
When we go out for Indian food, chicken tikka masala is always something we order. So I know what it tastes like in a restaurant. But getting those flavors at home, is not easy. Well, I think I have finally mastered it. After trying more recipes than I can count, combining a bunch of different ones, and adding in some of my own I have done it! Trust me, this chicken tikka masala recipe is going to be a keeper!
What is Tikka Masala
It is a dish that is made from chunks of chicken that are marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture for hours. Then the chicken is either grilled or cooked quickly over a high heat. Tikka masala sauce is made from onions, garlic, ginger and lots of spices. Then it is simmered with tomato sauce and finished with cream. It is a rich and delicious sauce. You will want to make sure you have plenty of Naan bread to soak it all up.
I like the tikka masala sauce to be thin, so I use my immersion blender to puree everything. You can use a regular blender or food processor if that is what you have too. And if you don’t mind the little pieces of onion and garlic in your sauce, then you can just leave it as is. I have only ever had it smooth in restaurants, so that is how I like to make it at home.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
It really is rather easy to make, you just need to have lots of spices on hand. I am able to find all of the spices at my regular grocery store, so hopefully you can to. My goal was to come up with a recipe that you could make any night of the week. Not something you had to make a special trip to one store, that is across town, and has limited hours.
I start by mixing together the yogurt with all the spices for the marinade. Then mix in the chicken that is cut into chunks. Cover and let it side in the fridge for at least an hour, but over night is even better. The longer the chicken has the move flavor it gets, and the more tender it is. When you are ready to cook I broil the chicken while I am making the sauce. Again, it really is just dump a bunch of spices in and stir. Simple, just some measuring involved!
If you like Indian food and curry, you are going to love this chicken tikka masala recipe. It is way easier than you think it is to make, and it will remind you of your favorite restaurant! You can adjust the heat level to what your family likes. My family is a fan of heat, so I went heavy with the cayenne. But you can go light and it will still have all those comforting spices.
Butter chicken is another classic Indian curry that my family loves. There is just something about all those spices together that is pure comfort food to me. And this Basil Coconut Chicken Curry kind of has a Thai twist, but the chicken is so tender and over the top delicious.
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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala - Yogurt marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce. Seriously the best! Serve with rice and Naan bread for a restaurant experience at home!
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs), cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 Tbls garlic, minced
- 1 Tbls ginger, minced
- 1 Tbls garam masal
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Tikka Masala Sauce
- 2 Tbls vegetable oil
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1 Tbls garlic, minced
- 1 Tbls ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbls garam masala
- 1 1/2 Tbls ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 Tbls ground coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, (reduce if you want it mild)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together the yogurt with all of the seasonings for the marinade. Add chicken and mix until everything is well coated. Cover and place in fridge for at least an hour, up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to Broil. Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Remove from oven.
- In a large sauce pan heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, and chili powder. Mix with onions, and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir until all the spices are well blended. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the chicken and the juices to the sauce. Stir in the cream and cook for about 10 minutes until the cause is bubbling and thick.
- Serve over white rice. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 541Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 178mgSodium 1517mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 3gSugar 8gProtein 45g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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BigFatBaker says
Ooh I love tikka masala but have never thought to make it myself… I’ll have to try your recipe it sounds amazing! I love naan as well…mmm now I want Indian food 😉 I am so glad you were able to post with us Erin!
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says
I’ve made this a few times and we really like it. I look forward to trying your recipe.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yum! This looks wonderful!! Now I can see what garam masala is! Have a great day!!
K-bobo @ Gormandize with A-dizzle & K-bobo says
Hurray!! I’m so glad somebody picked garam masala!! This looks delicious, I love tikka masala! Yours looks delicious, thanks for sharing such a great HRC recipe!
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
I have never had Tikka Masala. I keep seeing recipes and asking myself, “Why?” That’s it! I’ve denied myself for too long! YUM!
Cassie says
Why have I never made this myself? I love these spices!
Alyssa says
Indian food is really popular here, so I’ve had some really good chicken tikka masala. I’ve been wanting to perfect a recipe for it too. In fact, I just bought some yogurt to make it! Yours looks exactly like one of my favorite places. And I love mine too with basmati rice and naan! We were having steaks for dinner, but now I’m thinking maybe we order delivery 🙂
Sandra's Easy Cooking says
I need more Indian food in my life..this is absolutely delicious! Great recipe!
Rhonda says
We don’t have any Indian restaurants here so I have to make my own, I’m always on the hunt for good recipes, thanks. And yes all that sauce deserves some naan!
kristy lynn @ Gastronomical Sovereignty says
happy birthday Buddha!!
also, i want this dish. bookmarking!
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} says
We eat TONS of Indian food too! My absolute fave!! I can’t wait to try this Erin!!! Great recipe!
Renee says
I have not had tikkka masala before but it looks good and I want to try more Indian food. Bookmarking…
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I’ve never cooked Tikka Masala at home! Thanks for the recipe – it’s a lot easier than I imagined. This will be a must try!
Liz says
I have never even tastked tikka masala, Erin, but now I think I must!!! Beautifully done~
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
This looks so tasty! I have not ever had tikki masala but you have inspired me to make this. I bet it is full of delish flavor. Nicely done!!
Priscilla @ShesCookin says
My favorite Indian dinner 🙂 It’s been awhile since I’ve made it – you’ve inspired me with this great recipe!
Lemons and Anchovies says
I’ve yet to make my own tikka masala at home but it looks like I have all the spices I need. Hmm, maybe I should try it soon!
Magic of Spice says
I love that sauce…will have to try it with a vegetarian dish 🙂 Gorgeous flavors!
Suzanne says
Mmm..sounds like a great dish with lots of flavor 🙂
My Inner Chick says
—This looks Incredible.
Indian Food is my ALL TIME Fave. <3
Rowena @ Apron and Sneakers says
Would you believe that I’ve never had Tikka Masala before? Your dish just made me think that maybe I should try it at home. It looks very good. Thanks for sharing!
Krista says
I just ate Chicken Tikka Masala for the first time a few months ago and I am in love! I really want to recreate it at home and with this recipe it looks so doable! Yum!
Liz says
The chicken is so tender and flavorful! This tikki masala will be a regular on our meal rotation!
Aysegul says
This recipe is one of my favorites. Thanks for it.
Melissa Sperka says
The flavor of this is so authentic!