How To Make Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala (Recipe Guide)

We will write a guide on how to make Chicken Tikka Masala one of the most popular dishes in India.

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish known for its rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce. It features marinated grilled chicken chunks (tikka) in a spiced tomato-based sauce.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dish, along with some tips and nutritional information.

Read here how to make Homemade Naan, Samosa and Chicken Biryani

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How to Make Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Salt

Step By Step How to Make Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or broiler. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Simmer the Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes or tomato puree and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve

Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes until the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve

Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or a side of vegetables.

Tips To Make Chicken Tikka Masala

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. If grilling is not possible, broiling or baking are good alternatives.

The heat level of the dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor and add more as needed.

Use heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter or dairy-free version, coconut milk is an excellent substitute.

How Many Calories Have Chicken Tikka Masala

Calories: 350-400
Protein: 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Fiber: 3-4 grams
Sugar: 5-6 grams