Indian Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Juicy chicken chunks cooked in a rich tomato-based masala sauce with aromatic Indian spices. This indian-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, yogurt, tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 500g chicken breast in a large bowl, add 1 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat the chicken in the marinade, ensuring even coverage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly brush a baking sheet with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the sheet. Grill or bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is golden-brown on all sides and fully cooked (internal temperature

Frequently asked questions

How long does Indian Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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.

Is Indian Chicken Tikka Masala vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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