Maharaj Indian Grill-Style Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Tender chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce inspired by Indian grill flavors. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 40 minutes pairs plain yogurt, garam masala, ground turmeric for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 lb cubed boneless chicken breast and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and sear for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups tomato puree and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Slowly stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the chicken. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves before serving with basmati rice or naan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maharaj Indian Grill-Style Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Maharaj Indian Grill-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style Chicken Tikka Masala?

Indian curry 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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