This Easy Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every single time. It's about to become one of your go-to favorites!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is chicken tikka masala?
Marinated chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce spiced with garam masala, cumin, and coriander. It is one of the most popular Indian-inspired dishes worldwide.
2. Where did chicken tikka masala originate?
It was likely created in the 1970s by British-Bangladeshi chefs in the UK who added a creamy tomato sauce to grilled chicken tikka to suit British tastes. It became Britain's most popular restaurant dish.
3. Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Yes — marinating in yogurt and spices for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with deep, complex spice flavor that defines this dish.
4. What makes the sauce so creamy and rich?
Tomato puree, heavy cream, butter, and cashew paste (or cream cheese) blended together. The cream is added at the end and should not be boiled to prevent curdling.
5. What spices are essential?
Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder are the core spices. Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) added at the end gives the signature authentic finish.
6. Is tikka masala very spicy?
It is mild to moderately spiced — more about complex warmth than fiery heat. The cream sauce mellows the spices. Adjust cayenne or chili powder to your preference.
7. What should I serve with tikka masala?
Basmati rice is the most traditional pairing. Warm naan or garlic naan for scooping the sauce is equally essential. Raita and cucumber salad cool the palate.
8. Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes — marinate the chicken, combine with sauce ingredients in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. Stir in cream during the last 30 minutes to prevent separation.
9. What is the difference between tikka masala and butter chicken?
Tikka masala uses yogurt-marinated grilled chicken in a tomato cream sauce. Butter chicken uses a richer, more butter-heavy sauce. They are similar but tikka masala is tangier.
10. Can I freeze chicken tikka masala?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze without cream for best results — add fresh cream when reheating for the smoothest sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Watch How to Make This
Easy Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken with all of the ingredients for the chicken marinade; let marinate for one hour (or overnight if time allows).
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. When sizzling, add chicken pieces in batches of two or three, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry until browned for only 3 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm. (You will finish cooking the chicken in the sauce.)
- Melt the butter in the same pan. Fry the onions until soft (about 3 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant, while stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chili powders, and salt. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes a deep brown-red color.
- Stir the cream through the sauce. Add the chicken and its juices back into the pan and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. Pour water to thin out the sauce, if needed.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice and fresh Naan bread!
- Enjoy your Easy Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
- Butter Chicken
- Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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