Looking for a dish that brings the flavors of India right to your dinner table? This Chicken Tikka Masala is your answer. It’s a wonderfully spiced dish that features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in yogurt and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. The result? A mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The magic happens in the sauce, which is a luscious mix of tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic, and ginger. Each bite will transport you to a world of warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering.
Introduction to Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a vibrant and hearty dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. This recipe highlights boneless skinless chicken breasts, marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices, resulting in tender pieces infused with incredible flavor.
The magic lies in the rich sauce, created from tomato sauce, heavy cream, and aromatic ingredients such as garlic and ginger. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste, making it an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings.
Key Ingredients that Define Flavor
At the heart of Chicken Tikka Masala are a few key components. The use of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric forms a robust flavor base, ensuring that each mouthful is packed with warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce to shine through. With these ingredients combined, the dish becomes a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
Preparing the Chicken
To begin, marinating the chicken is a crucial step. Combining yogurt with spices creates a tenderizing effect, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. This process can be done in advance, giving the chicken time to absorb the rich spices.
After marinating, cooking the chicken to a golden brown in a skillet seals in the juices while adding an irresistible texture. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is simply intoxicating.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
The sauce is where the magic truly happens. After removing the chicken, adding tomato sauce to the skillet brings all the flavors together. Introducing heavy cream enhances the richness, creating a smooth and luxurious texture.
Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy consistency that perfectly coats the tender chicken. A final seasoning with salt and black pepper completes this luscious sauce.
Serving with Tradition
Serving Chicken Tikka Masala is a delightful experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, which absorbs the rich sauce, making each bite fulfilling. Warm naan bread is also a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
A garnish of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Presenting it on a rustic table with decorative bowls of spices like cumin and coriander creates an inviting atmosphere for any meal.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Chicken Tikka Masala isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices transforms a simple dinner into a culinary delight. Every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor, making it a cherished dish in many households.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings the warmth and charm of Indian cuisine right to your table. It’s not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors and culture.
The Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of spices. The combination of garlic, ginger, coriander, and a hint of black pepper creates a robust flavor profile that complements the tender chicken wonderfully. It’s an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions

- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g

Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.