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Creamy Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Masala with Aromatic Indian Spices

This creamy restaurant-style chicken tikka masala is packed with aromatic Indian spices and a rich, luscious tomato-cream sauce. It’s easy to make at home for a comforting and flavorful meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE:
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • FOR THE SAUCE:
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine all chicken marinade ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. 2. When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. 3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter or ghee, then sauté the onion until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. 4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Simmer together for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can substitute chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier. Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 545
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 38g