True-to-Tradition Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, slow-simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with aromatic Indian spices, honoring centuries of culinary heritage. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken cubes, coating evenly, and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, cook 1 finely chopped onion over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until deeply golden. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Return chicken to skillet, then pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon garam masala. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over basmati rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True-to-Tradition Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (45 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 True-to-Tradition 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-to-Tradition 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 True-to-Tradition 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 True-to-Tradition 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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