Creamy Malai Chicken Tikka Masala

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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