Declared delicious by everyone in the family, this was our favorite meal last week. Tikka Masala is a richly flavored sauce with cream and tomatoes.
This version is filled with tender pieces of chicken and then served over a flavorful Turmeric Rice. Every single person at our table cleaned their plate and all three of my boys requested seconds!
A friend asked me a couple months ago if I had a great recipe for Tikka Masala. I laughed and replied that I’d never even tasted it. So, the success of this recipe was dependent on more than my family’s reaction.
My husband delivered two test meals to our friend’s house the night that I made this for our dinner. The verdict? They declared this perfect and I promised to pass on the recipe soon. Not only did my crew love this dish, it passed the test for authentic Chicken Tikka Masala.
I am thrilled that my first attempt received such great reviews. This was a much easier meal than I anticipated and it is definitely something I would recommend if you are a fan of Indian food flavors.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or 3 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 6 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 large yellow onion chopped small
- 4 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 " fresh ginger peeled and minced small about 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus 1 teaspoon divided
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 ½ - 3 tablespoons garam masala
- 28 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil and place an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a metal cooling rack on top of it. Combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon coriander and ½ teaspoon cumin in a small dish. Sprinkle these spices on both sides of the chicken breasts. Next, coat both sides of the chicken with the yogurt. Place the chicken on the metal cooking rack. Broil for 10-15 minutes, turning the chicken after 7 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and set aside once the chicken begins to blacken. Be careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
- While the chicken is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and saute until slightly browned. Add the garlic and the ginger and saute for a minute or so until fragrant. Add a tablespoon of salt and the garam masala spice. Stir to coat with spices and then add the tomatoes and a tablespoon of sugar. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it as the mixture begins to simmer. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream to the tomato mixture. Chop the chicken into bite size pieces and add it to the warm sauce. Serve over Turmeric Rice and sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Kathy says
This looks delicious…I’m sure it would be a hit in my house!
Jenn says
I just adore Tikka Masala.. it's one of my all time favorite dishes. Yours looks perfect!!
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
Declared delicious by all the family is the way to go! and I'm not surprised – all the flavors here 🙂
Mary x
Joanne says
Chicken tikka masala was one of my favorite meals before I want veg! I'll have to make this with paneer instead!
Helene Dsouza says
Looks gorgeous and delectable. We used to make and sell tikka, tandoori and nans before. I used to eat that stuff nealry everyday and I wont get bored of it. Punjabi food is the best!
Pam says
I've never had it either… it looks and sounds really delicious!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wow Mary that chicken looks "melt in your mouth" tender. You make dinner and I'll bring dessert 🙂 Deal! The tomatoes and cream – good golly!
Sue/the view from great island says
Our whole family loves Indian food, and this is my youngest daughter's fave. I've never made it, so I'm excited to see your recipe. I'm always amazed at the wide variety of flavors and combinations in Indian food, the tomato, cream, sugar and spices of this one are new to me.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Mary, I can't wait to to try this along with your yummy looking rice! I've been looking for a good recipe for CTM and now I've found it!
Puneet Thakkar says
Really glad I found it as tikka masala has been on my 'to make' list for a long time .. Readymade Chicken Masala makes it easier to cook Chicken tikka masala as to add that extra taste 😉
Anonymous says
I've made this but have omitted the coriander and cumin and just upped the garam masala. Also, in place of the heavy cream I used coconut milk. Delish !!!!!!