Chicken Tikka Masala

4.4
(2,988)

Chicken tikka masala made easy with this great-tasting recipe — simply marinate chicken breast in yogurt and spices and then simmer in a tomato cream sauce. Serve with rice or warm pita bread.

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overhead view on a plate of rice topped with chicken tikka masala
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 cup yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 4 teaspoons ground cumin, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided, or more to taste

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 4 long skewers

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.

    Overhead of Tikka Masala sauces being whisked together in a bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

    Cuts of chicken covered and marinating in a Tikka Masala mixture in a bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Preheat a grill for high heat.

  4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade.

    Overhead of two raw chicken skewers sitting in a baking sheet.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.

    Two chicken skewers cooking on a grill.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and jalapeño for 1 minute. Season with remaining 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.

    Overhead of Tikka Masala sauce cooking in a sauce pan.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

    Overhead of grilled chicken cooking in a tikka masala sauce.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve over rice.

    overhead view on a plate of rice topped with chicken tikka masala
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes information based on the full amount of the marinade ingredients. Depending on marinating time, ingredients, cook time, etc., the actual amount of the marinade consumed will vary.

3,532 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

404 Calories
29g Fat
13g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 404
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 143mg 48%
Sodium 1592mg 69%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 25g 49%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 206mg 16%
Iron 3mg 19%
Potassium 660mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.