This chicken tikka masala recipe is made in 4 easy steps and is absolutely delicious. Tender, flavorful chicken swims in a creamy curry sauce similar to butter chicken. You’ll love it!
This easy tikka masala is one of those recipes that feels special but comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce flavored with garlic, ginger, and warm spices, then finished with a splash of cream to make it silky and comforting. It’s intensely flavorful without being fussy, and it tastes just as good on a busy weeknight as it does when you’re cooking for friends.
What sets this version apart is the balance — just enough spice to make it interesting, a little sweetness from the tomatoes, and plenty of creamy, cozy sauce to spoon over rice. The chicken stays tender thanks to a quick yogurt marinade, and the sauce is the kind you can’t help but dip a piece of naan into. It’s bold, aromatic, and completely satisfying.
This easy Indian-inspired recipe is one you’ll make again and again. Everything cooks in one pan, the leftovers are even better the next day, and it always hits that perfect spot between comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary night into something a little more delicious.
Another chicken curry you might enjoy is my easy butter chicken .
How long does chicken masala last?
This recipe will last for 3 days in your fridge. It’s even tastier the day after you make it, making it a great recipe for meal prep.
Will this recipe freeze well?
Yes! Chicken tikka masala freezes very well. Cool it completely, then store it in your freezer for up to three months. We love these big reusable Stasher freezer bags for freezing soup, chili, and curries.
What to serve with chicken tikka masala
Steamed basmati rice and some warm naan is a classic combo. For a veggie side, I like some roasted broccoli or tandoori cauliflower . Both are delicious and go excellent with this curry.
Check out our video on how to make this chicken masala
Chicken Tikka Masala (made in 4 easy steps)
- Pin
Ingredients
The Spices
- ▢ 4 teaspoons garam masala
- ▢ 2 teaspoons turmeric
- ▢ 2 teaspoons coriander
- ▢ 2 teaspoons cumin
- ▢ 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
- ▢ 2 teaspoons salt
Chicken Tikka
- ▢ 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ▢ ½ cup yogurt
- ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
The Sauce
- ▢ 1 tablespoon oil
- ▢ 1 large onion (finely minced)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- ▢ 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ▢ 2 teaspoons honey
- ▢ 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- ▢ ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. 4 teaspoons garam masala , 2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons coriander, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons salt
- Place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl and add the yogurt, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix. Mix well then place into your fridge to marinate. 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, ½ cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook until the onion is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the honey, tomato paste, and the remaining spice mix and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cream. Note: add up to 1 cup of water to thin the sauce, if needed. 1 tablespoon oil, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons honey, 14 ounce can tomato sauce, ½ cup heavy cream
- Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the marinating chicken to a baking sheet and spread them out. Broil (with the rack in the middle of the oven) for 12 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are cooked through.
- Add the chicken pieces and any of the tasty charred bits on the pan to the sauce. Serve with a little cilantro sprinkled over the top.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Favorite Indian Curry Recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our curry recipes !
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Chicken Tikka Masala (made in 4 easy steps)
Ingredients
The Spices
- 4 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
Chicken Tikka
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs , cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
The Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion , finely minced
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. 4 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons coriander, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons salt
- Place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl and add the yogurt, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix. Mix well then place into your fridge to marinate. 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, ½ cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook until the onion is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the honey, tomato paste, and the remaining spice mix and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cream. Note: add up to 1 cup of water to thin the sauce, if needed. 1 tablespoon oil, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons honey, 14 ounce can tomato sauce, ½ cup heavy cream
- Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the marinating chicken to a baking sheet and spread them out. Broil (with the rack in the middle of the oven) for 12 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are cooked through.
- Add the chicken pieces and any of the tasty charred bits on the pan to the sauce. Serve with a little cilantro sprinkled over the top.
