Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

5 from 16 votes

This creamy, flavorful Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is the perfect way to break out of a chicken dinner rut and add in a ton of spice and flavor!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Diet Gluten Free

Servings

Calories 438kcal

Author Tracy

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts about 2 lbs
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 cup whole yogurt
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoon gram masala
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
6 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped + some for garnish

Instructions

Prep your spices and tomatoes. Mix all of the spices (except salt) in a small bowl and set aside. Open the can of tomatoes and set aside.
Cut chicken into 2 inch chunks and season with salt. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the yogurt with half of the spice mixture. Add chicken and stir to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge.
Toast your spices by adding1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauce pan and add the rest of the spice mix stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add ginger, and garlic and stir for another 30 seconds and then immediately add the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir often and let thicken, 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, shaking off excess marinade. Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through at least 165 degrees, for about 7- 10 minutes.
Add the cream and chopped cilantro to the tomato sauce and let simmer until thickened. About another 5 minutes.
Add chicken to saucepan with sauce and stir to coat and mix well.
Serve over rice or with naan and garnish with more fresh cilantro.

Notes

Substitutions

Yogurt - You can use a lower-fat yogurt.

Heavy Cream - Use half and half or even whole milk, although it will reduce the creaminess of the sauce.

Garlic and Ginger - Use 2 teaspoons of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh in this recipe. Add it to your spice mixture.

Nutrition