Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala
Tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, simmered in a rich tomato-cream sauce with fragrant garam masala. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 50 minutes pairs (cut into 1-inch cubes) chicken breast, yogurt, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes) chicken breast
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix chicken with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tbsp garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in heavy cream, garam masala, remaining salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Return chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Indian Chicken Tikka Masala?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
