Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
grated
- 1 tbsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
from a 1" piece
- 2 1/2 tsp. garam masala
- 2 tsp. ground coriander
- 2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/3 c. plus 1 tbsp. tomato paste
divided
- Kosher salt
- 1 c. whole-milk yogurt
- 2 lb. skinless
boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 yellow onion
finely chopped
- 1 to 3 fresh red chiles
seeded and finely chopped, or 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/2 c. tomato puree
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 c. fresh cilantro leaves
finely chopped, plus more for serving
- Steamed basmati rice and naan
for serving
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a paste forms.
- 2
In a medium bowl, stir yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and half of spice paste until well combined; cover and refrigerate remaining spice paste. Place chicken on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, make a few shallow cuts in each breast. Add to bowl and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.
- 3
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and chiles and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add remaining 1/3 cup tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add remaining spice paste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 4
Stir in tomato puree and 1/2 cup water, scraping up any browned bits in bottom of pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often and reducing heat to low if needed to maintain a gentle simmer, until mixture thickens, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in cream and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.
- 5
Meanwhile, preheat broiler with an oven rack 6" from heat. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack inside sheet. Transfer chicken with marinade to rack and arrange in a single layer. Spoon any remaining marinade in bowl over chicken. Broil until chicken is mostly cooked and marinade has thickened and is golden in spots (chicken will not be fully cooked at this point), 10 to 12 minutes.
- 6
Cut chicken into bite-size chunks. Add chicken and cilantro to tomato mixture. Very gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 7
Divide rice among bowls. Spoon chicken tikki masala over. Top with cilantro. Serve with naan alongside.
Chicken Tikka Masala
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, creamy flavors of your favorite Indian takeout? Our classic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings that beloved taste right to your kitchen, proving it's easier to make at home than you think, with a total time of just under two hours for pure comfort.
This recipe shines by combining aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin with the brightness of fresh ginger and garlic. The generous use of both tomato paste and creamy whole-milk yogurt creates a deeply flavored marinade and a rich, velvety sauce that you'll adore, setting the stage for truly tender chicken.
What to expect from this homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is a vibrant, warmly spiced dish where tender pieces of skinless, boneless chicken breast are bathed in a luscious, deeply orange-hued sauce. The creamy texture, balanced with the subtle heat from fresh red chiles, makes every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s a comforting yet exciting meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family, delivering that authentic takeout experience without ever leaving your house.
For a milder flavor, easily reduce the amount of fresh red chiles or crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a richer base note, consider using ghee instead of vegetable oil to sauté the aromatics. You can also adjust the amount of fresh cilantro leaves to your liking, adding more for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Serve this classic Chicken Tikka Masala piping hot with fluffy steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread to soak up every last bit of the incredible sauce. It's an ideal centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a delightful meal to share with friends, promising a memorable culinary experience.