Chicken Tikka Masala
AI-generated image
Gluten-free British Indian

Chicken Tikka Masala

Tender yogurt-marinated chicken is seared for smoky edges, then simmered in a silky tomato sauce fragrant with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and paprika. A dependable British Indian classic for a generous family dinner.

70 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Cut the chicken into 4 cm pieces. In a bowl, mix it with the yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, 1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 12 hours.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wide, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Lift the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and sear in a single layer in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned outside but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
Chicken pieces browning in a skillet before simmering in the sauce AI-generated image
3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Saute the onion with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden at the edges.
4
Add the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is darker, thicker, and no longer tastes raw.
5
Stir in the cream and the remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, then mix gently to coat.
6
Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is tender and the thickest pieces reach 74°C on an instant-read thermometer. Do not let the sauce boil hard after adding the cream.
7
Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Rest the curry off the heat for 5 minutes so the sauce settles and clings to the chicken.
8
Scatter with the chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Chicken tikka masala finished with cilantro and served with rice and naan AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Marinating the chicken in yogurt tenderizes it while the high-heat sear builds browned, smoky flavor. Blooming the spices in the onion-tomato base gives the sauce depth before cream rounds out its acidity.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within 2 hours, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout and the chicken reaches 74°C. Add a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition / serving

580kcal
50.58 gprotein
17.37 gcarbs
34.96 gfat
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Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 13 Aug 2026 · updated 13 Aug 2026