Most Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken chunks bathed in a rich tomato-based sauce with cream, ginger, and a fiery kick of green chilies. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken breast, medium tomatoes, cream 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate 2 lbs chicken breast in 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to 400°F. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp oil and grill 8-10 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté 30 seconds. Add 4 chopped tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup cream, 3 green chilies (slit), and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Add grilled chicken and simmer 5 minutes to coat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Most Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 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 Most Spicy 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 Most Spicy 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 Most Spicy 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 Most Spicy 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.

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