The Best Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors and easy to make. You’ll love how it brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The perfect blend of spices and yogurt creates a velvety sauce that’s irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, so you won’t need a long grocery list.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, from mild to fiery.

Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish featuring tender pieces of chicken marinated in spices, grilled, and simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making this flavorful dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 400g tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all chicken marinade ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. For the sauce, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Add the heavy cream and mix well. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes:

• For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Grill or skillet
• Large pan

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Serving: 4

Nutrition

This homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe provides a rich blend of spices and flavors. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade chicken tikka masala with fluffy basmati rice because it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. A side of warm garlic naan bread is a must for scooping up every last bite, and it adds a comforting touch. Trust me, this combo makes the meal feel complete and extra satisfying.

Fluffy Basmati Rice

Though it’s simple to make, fluffy basmati rice is the perfect side dish to elevate your chicken tikka masala. I love how its light, fragrant grains soak up the rich sauce without getting mushy. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, then simmer it in just enough water—about 1.5 cups per cup of rice. Let it steam off the heat for a few minutes, and you’ll get those perfect, separate grains every time. A pinch of salt or a bay leaf adds subtle flavor, but honestly, the rice shines all on its own. Trust me, it’s worth the extra care.

Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic naan bread is the perfect companion to chicken tikka masala, just like fluffy basmati rice—but with a buttery, garlicky twist that’ll make you reach for seconds. I love how it soaks up the rich, creamy sauce, adding a crispy yet chewy texture to every bite. Making it at home feels rewarding, especially when I smell the garlic sizzling in melted butter. It’s simple: roll the dough, sprinkle minced garlic, and toast it in a hot pan. Whether you’re scooping up the curry or tearing off pieces to dip, garlic naan completes the meal in the most flavorful way.