Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Tender chicken chunks marinated in yogurt and spices, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with cream and peppers. This indian-inspired salads ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken breast, yogurt, garam masala into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 40 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, mix yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, garlic, ginger, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken and marinate 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, sauté bell peppers for 5 minutes. Add tomato puree and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Return chicken to pan and cook 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken. Garnish with cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 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 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 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 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 Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala?

Indian salads 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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