Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-13

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A rich and creamy chicken tikka masala featuring tender grilled chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce, inspired by flavors from Elmhurst's Maharaj Indian Grill. This Indian chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs plain yogurt, garlic paste, and ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner. Each serving lands at about 480 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tbsp ginger paste
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Grilling tools worth buying → Best Grilling Tools and BBQ Gadgets for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 lb boneless chicken thigh cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and soft.
Step 3: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the chicken.
Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan bread.