Kid-Approved Chicken Tikka Masala
A creamy, mildly spiced Indian-inspired dish with tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, featuring natural sweetness to delight picky eaters. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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 chicken breast
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Mix well and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes), then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the marinated chicken and any excess marinade to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kid-Approved Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 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 Kid-Approved 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 Kid-Approved 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 Kid-Approved 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 Kid-Approved 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
