Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala features charred, yogurt-marinated chicken tikka simmered in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce. Bolder and spicier than butter chicken, with a distinct smoky char from grilling, it's a beloved British-Indian restaurant classic.

By YumYum Editorial · Indian

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 35 min · Total: 55 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cubed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder, divided
• 1 tsp garam masala, divided
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp kasuri methi, crushed
• to taste Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and salt; marinate at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers or spread on a tray and grill/broil until charred at the edges and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes, turning once.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until golden, 6-7 minutes.
4. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander powder, and remaining chili powder; simmer 12-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Blend the sauce until smooth for a restaurant-style texture, then return to the pan.
6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently 3-4 minutes.
7. Add the grilled chicken tikka pieces and simmer 8-10 minutes to soak up the sauce.
8. Sprinkle remaining garam masala and crushed kasuri methi; garnish with cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.