Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe | Flavorful & Quick Curry

Craving a rich, flavorful, and comforting dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week? This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala is the answer! 

With tender chunks of chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with bold flavors from the perfect blend of spices, giving you a deliciously aromatic meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Indian cuisine. 

The best part? You can make this incredible dish right at home in less time than you think! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this chicken tikka masala will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

What makes this chicken tikka masala stand out? First, it’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need to spend hours marinating or cooking—this simplified version brings all the flavors together without the fuss. 

Plus, it’s a versatile recipe, so you can adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. The combination of chicken, a rich tomato base, and the creamy sauce is nothing short of amazing, and it pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread.

Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home, and it’s guaranteed to please even picky eaters!

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the masala sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Making chicken tikka masala at home is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of this flavorful, comforting dish:

1. Marinate the chicken:
   
   In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time.
   
2. Cook the chicken:
   
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (you may need to do this in batches depending on your pan size). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the masala sauce:
   
   In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
   
4. Add the spices:
   
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder (if using). Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors, stirring occasionally.
   
5. Add the tomatoes:
   
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
   
6. Finish the sauce:
   
   Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.
   
7. Combine chicken with the sauce:
   
   Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors.
   
8. Serve and garnish:
   
   Serve your chicken tikka masala hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or both for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

• Marinate for flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, aim for at least 1 hour, but 30 minutes will still do the trick.
  
• Adjust the heat: Want a spicier tikka masala? Increase the chili powder or add some chopped fresh green chilies to the sauce. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder or skip it entirely.
  
• Use full-fat yogurt: For a richer, creamier marinade, use full-fat plain yogurt. It helps tenderize the chicken and adds depth to the flavor.
  
• Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk in the sauce instead of heavy cream.

How To Serve

Chicken tikka masala is best served with a side of fluffy basmati rice that soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with naan bread to scoop up every last bit of the creamy masala. 

If you want to make your meal even heartier, try pairing it with a simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad with a tangy dressing to balance out the richness of the curry.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a portion of lentils. Chicken tikka masala also pairs beautifully with a refreshing mango chutney or a squeeze of fresh lime for a bright, zesty contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Chicken Tikka Masala (without rice or naan):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is rich and comforting but still provides plenty of protein from the chicken. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can use light cream or coconut milk to cut back on fat while still maintaining the creamy texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Let the chicken tikka masala cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken tikka masala on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
  
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings all the richness, spice, and creaminess you love about Indian food without the hassle of complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight meal or a special weekend treat. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or new to the flavors, this recipe will soon become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share how it turned out!

FAQ Section

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the chili powder or add some fresh green chilies to the sauce to ramp up the heat.

Can I make this without yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with a dairy-free yogurt or simply skip it. The chicken will still be flavorful, especially with the spices.