Slow-Simmered Chicken Tikka Masala with Fresh Tomato Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

Tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce simmered to perfection for authentic Indian flavors. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 105 minutes blends plain yogurt, garlic cloves, minced, ginger root, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger root, minced
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb chicken breast cubes with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the marinated chicken pieces along with the marinade to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.