Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe - Smoky Tikka Masala Marinade & Creamy Sauce - Easy Indian Dinner | Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Chicken Tikka Masala Marinade Ingredients:
- Chicken (Boneless) - 2 pounds
- Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
- Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
- Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
- Kasuri Methi Leaves (Dried) - 1 tsp
- Tikka Masala Powder- 1 tsp (any brand)
- Salt - 1 1/2 tsp
- Lemon Juice - 1 Tbsp
- Yogurt - 1/3 cup
- Ginger/Garlic Paste - 1 tsp
- Oil - 1 Tbps
Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce Ingredients:
- Onions - 1 med (chopped)
- Ginger/Garlic - 2 tsp
- Tomato Sauce - 2 cups
- Red Chili Powder - 1/4 tsp
- Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
- Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
- Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
- Sugar - 1 tsp
- Kasuri Methi Leaves (Dried) - 1 tsp
- Heavy Cream - 1/2 cup
- Cilantro - garnish
- Oil - 2-3 Tbsp
Marinated in a spiced yogurt base with garam masala, Kashmiri red chili, cumin, turmeric, and kasuri methi, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen. The boneless chicken is coated in a rich tikka masala marinade, then infused with optional charcoal smoke for that deep, tandoor-style aroma you usually only get at your favorite Indian restaurant. A quick rest in the fridge lets the spices soak in, making every bite tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our chicken tikka masala recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Marinade:
1) Begin by marinating the chicken in a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup yogurt, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste.
2) Next add in the dry spices, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp dried kasuri methi leaves, and 1 tsp tikka masala powder.
3) Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
4) Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
5) The next step is optional but adds a great smoky flavor.
6) Heat a piece of charcoal directly over a gas flame or on a stove top coil using tongs until red hot.
7) Place a small metal bowl (or foil cup) in the center of the marinated chicken.
8) Carefully place the hot charcoal in the bowl. Drizzle 1 tsp of ghee or oil on the coal, it will start to smoke instantly.
9) Immediately cover the bowl tightly with a lid or foil to trap the smoke.
10) Let it sit for 5–7 minutes, then remove the charcoal setup. This gives your chicken a deep, tandoor-like aroma.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce:
11) In a large pan over medium heat add 2-3 tbsp of oil.
12) Next add in the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
13) Remove the chicken and set aside.
14) To make the sauce, in the same pan add one more tbsp of oil and 1 med chopped onion.
15) Saute until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
16) Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
17) Stir in 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder, and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Toast the spices briefly.
18) Add 2 cups tomato sauce. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate.
19) Add 1 tsp of sugar.
20) Stir in 1/2 cup of cream and 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
21) Top with a drizzle of cream and fresh chopped cilantro.
22) Enjoy with rice or garlic naan!
Marinated in a spiced yogurt base with garam masala, Kashmiri red chili, cumin, turmeric, and kasuri methi, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen. The boneless chicken is coated in a rich tikka masala marinade, then infused with optional charcoal smoke for that deep, tandoor-style aroma you usually only get at your favorite Indian restaurant. A quick rest in the fridge lets the spices soak in, making every bite tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our chicken tikka masala recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
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