Spice Garden-Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Tender chunks of marinated chicken simmered in a richly spiced tomato cream sauce inspired by classic Indian flavors. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 100 minutes pairs plain yogurt, minced garlic cloves, 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 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 remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp ginger paste to onions and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups tomato puree and 1 1/2 tsp garam masala. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Step 5: Add marinated chicken pieces along with marinade to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Lower heat and stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until sauce is creamy and coats the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spice Garden-Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (70 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 Spice Garden-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 Spice Garden-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 Spice Garden-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 Spice Garden-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.

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