Tender marinated chicken masala

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Chicken Tikka Masala. This recipe brings the beloved Indian-American restaurant favorite right to your kitchen, featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces enveloped in a luxuriously creamy and aromatic tomato sauce. It's a satisfying dish that promises rich, complex flavors in every bite, perfect for serving with rice or naan.

Save

The key to this dish is building layers of flavor. First, a yogurt-based marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Then, charring the chicken under a broiler adds a subtle smokiness before it's simmered in the signature creamy tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup (180 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• For the Sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours.

Step 2

Preheat oven broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack. Broil for 5–7 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and almost cooked through. Alternatively, grill or pan-sear the chicken.

Step 3

For the sauce, heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in cumin, garam masala, paprika, coriander, and chili powder. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add tomato sauce and sugar; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Stir in heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes until sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 7

Add broiled chicken to the sauce and simmer for 7–10 minutes, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the most intense flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices and yogurt to fully penetrate and tenderize the meat for an even more delicious result.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor profile. To increase the heat, add more chili powder to the sauce, or include a finely diced fresh chili with the onion.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot with fluffy steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. For a beverage pairing, it goes wonderfully with a dry Riesling or a chilled lager.

Save

With these steps, you can create a truly memorable Chicken Tikka Masala that will have everyone asking for seconds. Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces ensure tenderness and even cooking.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps flavor absorption, but 2 to 4 hours or overnight yields the most tender, flavorful results.

→ Can this dish be made spicier?

Yes, adding extra chili powder or fresh diced chili peppers will increase the heat to your liking.

→ What can substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Half-and-half or coconut milk are good alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free sauce variation.

→ What side dishes complement this meal?

Steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread are classic accompaniments, balancing the rich, creamy sauce.