Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala
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-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs plain yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. 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 "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 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired 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 plain yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired 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 Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired 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 Maharaj Indian Grill-Inspired 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.
