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Chicken Tikka Masala – a restaurant quality recipe with tons of flavor.
Chicken Tikka Masala is an incredibly popular dish made with tender chunks of yogurt marinated chicken, folded into a richly spiced tomato sauce with just a hint of heat from the cayenne.
This recipe first appeared on RecipeGirl where I’m a contributor and occasionally post delicious recipes!
What makes this dish so popular?
The beautiful orange-red color is common in all Chicken Tikka Masala dishes, but the spices may vary greatly from recipe to recipe. Many years ago when I tried Chicken Tikka Masala for the very first time, I knew this dish would be a regular on our menu rotation. It was a new and exciting dish for me at the time, and I was surprised to find the chicken incredibly tender, and the aromatic sauce rich with warm spices. The aroma is practically exciting with hints of cinnamon and fresh ginger.
Masala loosely means a mixture of spices commonly used in South Asian cooking. Garam masala, one of the spices used heavily in traditional Indian cooking, is often a mixture of ground coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and cinnamon.
Chicken Tikka Masala is believed to be the most popular dish in the United Kingdom and has been called the true national dish of Britain.
The origins of the recipe are unclear, and often disputed, but the taste is certainly memorable. If you can’t travel to Britain, India, Pakistan or Bangladesh where this dish is often served in restaurants, then make it at home. It’s worth a little effort to multitask this to your table. Enjoy a wonderful culinary adventure without leaving your own kitchen!
Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice with homemade naan bread on the side for a complete and delicious meal!
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Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Yield: 6
Course: Main Course
An incredibly popular dish made with tender chunks of yogurt marinated chicken, folded into a richly spiced tomato sauce with just a hint of heat from the cayenne
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt, full fat
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
For the masala sauce:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1 fresh Serrano chili (ribs and seed removed) minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped plus more for garnish
Instructions
To prepare the chicken:
- Combine the cumin, coriander, cayenne and salt in a small bowl. Place the chicken breasts on a large sheet pan and flatten a little to ensure even baking. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the spice mixture and press into the meat. In a medium mixing bowl combine the yogurt, oil, garlic and ginger. Spoon the yogurt mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken and spread to cover. Using tongs, place the chicken breasts in large ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes, turning after 20 minutes. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. Carefully slice into bite size pieces.
To prepare the marsala sauce:
- While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the sauce. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook stirring frequently until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, chili pepper, tomato paste and the garam masala. Cook stirring continuously until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar and salt. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir in the cream and return to simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and cover to keep warm.
- Toss the chicken in the warm masala sauce but do not cook. Stir in the cilantro and check the seasoning. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve with rice and Naan bread
Recipe Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh Garam Masala if possible
Adapted from a 2007 Cook's Illustrated recipe
We love going on food adventures, trying new cuisines and then sharing with friends and family. This Braised Indian Chicken with Chickpeas and Spinach from A Beautiful Plate is one of those adventure meal I can’t wait to try! Another super popular Indian dish is Butter Chicken and I love this version of the recipe from RecipeTin Eats.
Don’t forget to serve Chicken Tikka Masala with our Homemade Naan Bread. Excuse the old photos – I’ve learned a lot in 7 years!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Yummy! This is going to be my lunch! So delightful, Tricia!
Tricia Buice says
Yeah – thanks Agness – you’re going to love it!
Liz says
I love using yogurt to marinate chicken! There is so much flavor and deliciousness in every bite of your chicken tikki masala!!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Liz! I love it too. Have a great week and thanks again.
Chris Scheuer says
Somehow I missed this Tricia! We’re crazy about Chicken Tikka Masala. I love that the chicken is baked in this recipe – it makes it so simple! There are so many unique versions, this one sounds like a winner that I need to try!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Chris – we love this recipe. So much flavor and tons of tender chicken. Have a wonderful week!
Dom says
That looks so incredibly good. I think chicken tikka masala is probably my favourite Indian cuisine dish. I love how sweet and mildly spicy it is. Your dish really does look so pretty too. Oh I’m hungry now and it’s not even breakfast time yet here!!
Tricia Buice says
Good morning Dom! Thank you so much for the sweet comment. Hope you’re doing great and also enjoying fabulous weather. Have a terrific week!
handmade by amalia says
Looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing another winning recipe, it goes on my dinner menu immediately.
Amalia
xo
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Amalia! Hope you had a wonderful holiday vacation. Happy summer!
2 Sisters Recipes by Anna and Liz says
Never tried chicken tikka masala before but it sounds interesting. Don’t laugh – but we need to get out more and try new cuisines- 🙂 Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend TRicia!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you ladies! I don’t get out often enough either and sometimes seem disappointed with restaurant food. So, I find something I want to try and make it myself! I have had chicken tikka masala in an Indian restaurant, but would love to try it in England for the full experience 🙂 Happy Memorial Day to you and your families!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
It has been too long since I’ve enjoyed a good tikka! Putting this one on the menu this week 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Jennifer! Enjoy 🙂
Larry says
I’ve never heard of this dish but it looks and sounds awesome and will go on the try soon list
Tricia Buice says
Hope you enjoy it Larry – it has a rich tomato flavor and is super tender. Thanks – have a nice weekend.
Monica says
This is making me drool, Tricia! Indian food is one cuisine I can’t control myself over and I love chicken tikka masala! Believe it or not, I have whole yogurt on hand so I was planning Indian fake-out takeout night for tomorrow. I make rice and warm some naan…I marinate the chicken in yogurt, tandoori spices, and lemon juice, then broil it…but here’s my confession…I use jarred masala sauce! Yikes! You are inspiring me to try it from scratch! Yours looks really amazing!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Tricia Buice says
Hi Monica! I will have to look for the jarred masala sauce – that would be great for a quick dinner. This is super easy to make, with just a few steps. The flavor is out of this world. Happy Memorial Day to you!
cheri says
I’ve had this dish many times and often thought it would be too complicated to make myself. You make it sound very manageable and delicious!! have a great Memorial week-end!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Cheri – I know you can make this – just a few steps but super easy. Happy Memorial Day to you!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Chicken Tikka Masala is a take out staple in our house Tricia, and I’ve made it myself, but I have to try your version too, it looks so creamy and delicious!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Sue – it is so easy and delicious. Love the yogurt marinade!
tanna says
I’ve never had Chicken Tikka Masala, but I can tell by the list of ingredients and your beautiful photos, I’d love it!! And, I always love trying something new! Thank you, Tricia! Hope y’all have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! blessings ~ tanna
Tricia Buice says
I bet you would love it Tanna – thanks so much and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
RajTheArtist says
This dish is incredibly popular in Asian countries. I too love eating Tikka Masala (chicken or paneer, both are fine.)
Tricia Buice says
Thanks!
Pam says
It looks delicious, Tricia! I’ve never made it and have to give it a try. Bet the flavors are delicious together! Evidently, the Brits know what’s good! Yum!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Pam – I bet you would love it too. The yogurt marinated chicken is so tender and juicy. We just love it!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
It’s one of my favourites, Tricia. Yours looks authentic and very delicious!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Angie. We love the flavor and the chicken is so tender. A great dish for sure!