Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick (approx. 2.5 inches); 5 green cardamom pods; 2 -3 tablespoons ghee or 2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 onions (chopped finely); 2 tablespoons freshly ground ginger (use a micro-plane or ginger grinder, don't use powdered ginger); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 3 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cayenne; 1 tablespoon paprika (I've used hot paprika, but you could try sweet); 3 teaspoons garam masala (pre-ground traditional combo of spices, easily found in the grocery store); 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato puree or 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 5 ounces water; salt (to taste); 2 -4 ounces Greek yogurt (or, use regular yogurt, but place it in cheese cloth over a strainer set above a bowl. Let it sit fo); 2 lbs chicken, cubed

Servings: persons

1 cinnamon stick (approx. 2.5 inches)
5 green cardamom pods
2 -3 tablespoons ghee or 2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions (chopped finely)
2 tablespoons freshly ground ginger (use a micro-plane or ginger grinder, don't use powdered ginger)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon paprika (I've used hot paprika, but you could try sweet)
3 teaspoons garam masala (pre-ground traditional combo of spices, easily found in the grocery store)
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato puree or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
5 ounces water
salt (to taste)
2 -4 ounces Greek yogurt (or, use regular yogurt, but place it in cheese cloth over a strainer set above a bowl. Let it sit fo)
2 lbs chicken, cubed

1
Mix: onions, ginger, garlic, cumin, corriander, tumeric, cayenne, paprika, and garam masala in a small bowl.
2
Set aside.
3
Put a heavy bottomed pan over medium/high heat.
4
Once hot, add ghee/oil.
5
Let ghee/oil heat for a few seconds.
6
Add cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
7
Shake pan to keep spices moving.
8
Saute for 15 to 30 seconds to let the flavors infuse into the ghee/oil.
9
Do NOT let the spices burn.
10
Add the masala paste (the spices, onion, garlic, and ginger mixture you set aside earlier).
11
Lower heat to low/medium.
12
Stir while onions sweat.
13
Saute for about 5 minutes, or until onions are soft but not brown.
14
Add canned tomatoes and tomato paste.
15
Stir.
16
Add water.
17
Stir.
18
Let mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
19
While mixture simmers, season cubed chicken with salt and freshly ground pepper.
20
Add seasoned, raw chicken.
21
Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
22
Stir every few minutes.
23
Check for doneness.
24
If not done, continue to simmer until chicken is cooked through.
25
Turn heat off.
26
Stir in yogurt.
27
Turn heat onto low/med.
28
Bring to a simmer.
29
Simmer for 3 minutes.
30
You're done!
31
Serve with rice or naan.

1135

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cinnamon stick (approx. 2.5 inches), 5 green cardamom pods, 2 -3 tablespoons ghee or 2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 onions (chopped finely), and more.

Yes, Chicken Tikka Masala falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chicken Tikka Masala

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions