Best Chicken Tikka Masala
A rich, creamy Indian dish with marinated chicken, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken thighs, yogurt, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 large, diced onion
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup cashew cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate 1.5 lbs chicken thighs in 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and 1 tsp garam masala for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup cashew cream, bringing to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add the marinated chicken and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Best 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best 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 Best 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 Best 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order indian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
