Creamy Malai Chicken Tikka Masala
Tender chicken in a rich, aromatic tomato cream sauce with subtle spices, perfect for pairing with warm naan. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs boneless chicken breast, plain yogurt, ginger paste 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 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp garam masala. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown and translucent.
- Step 3: Add the marinated chicken along with all marinade, cook for 5 minutes until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in 1 cup tomato puree and 1/2 tsp salt, simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook for 3 minutes until creamy and heated through. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Malai Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 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 Creamy Malai 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 boneless chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Malai 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 Creamy Malai 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 Creamy Malai Chicken Tikka Masala?
Indian chicken 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
