Chicken Tikka Masala Curry (Printable Version)
Charred chicken in spiced creamy tomato sauce—classic Indian favorite for flavorful dinners.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 -
1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
02 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 -
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
04 -
1 teaspoon garam masala
05 -
0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
06 -
1 teaspoon salt
07 -
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
08 -
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
09 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ For the Sauce
10 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
11 -
2 tablespoons butter
12 -
1 large sweet onion, finely diced
13 -
2 teaspoons grated ginger
14 -
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
15 -
2 teaspoons brown sugar
16 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
17 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
18 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
19 -
1 teaspoon garam masala
20 -
8 oz can unseasoned tomato sauce
21 -
1.25 cups heavy cream
22 -
0.25 cups water, only if needed
→ For Serving
23 -
Chopped cilantro for garnish
24 -
Naan bread
25 -
Cooked basmati rice
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Toss the chicken to coat and marinate for 1 hour or ideally overnight in the fridge.
02 -
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring the pan is not crowded. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and set aside.
03 -
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions for 3 minutes, scraping browned bits. Add ginger and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Cook for 15 seconds until aromatic.
05 -
Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and darker in color.
06 -
Mix in heavy cream and return the cooked chicken and juices to the pan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickened. Add water if necessary.
07 -
Serve hot over basmati rice with naan bread and garnish with chopped cilantro.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a more tender texture.
02 -
For added spiciness, include cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
03 -
Greek yogurt is recommended for the marinade, but plain yogurt can also be used.