Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala (Creamy & Flavorful)

Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

I don’t make Indian food very often. I am not of Indian descent and I’m not an expert in Indian cooking, but I have to say this Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala turned out excellent. It had the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, richness, and depth.

We purchased Indian spices and seasonings we had never used before. I love trying new things and Jace, my 15-year-old who is taking a cooking class, helped me with this as well. This meal took some time to prepare but it was so worth it. Add naan bread and basmati rice and you have a complete, authentic, Indian-style meal. 

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Serving size: 4
• Family friendly: YES! We all devoured this meal
• Total prep, chill and cooking time: 6+ hours
• Serving suggestions: Serve with a side of naan bread and basmati rice
• Family rating: 10/10, would make this again

What Is Tikka Masala?

Tikka Masala is an Indian-inspired meal that involves Indian seasonings and spices incorporated into marinated chicken and a sauce. The chicken is "tikka" and the tomato-based sauce is "masala." When you combine them together, you get a rich meal derived from Indian flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

This recipe is unique because it was something brand new to our family. According to Jace, he said, "This is the best meal you have made in a long time!" and he is the one who requested it. 

I changed a few things from the original recipe that I pulled it from to make it my own and adapt it to my family's preferences. The spice dominated the chicken initially and then, over time, there was a more equal balance of creamy, nutty, sweet, savory, spicy, and rich. It tasted as authentic as you could get - straight from a kitchen.

What Inspired This Recipe 

My son often watches cooking shows on YouTube and saw this meal and asked that I make it. A little hesitant, I still said, "Yes" because I love trying new meals. 

I found this recipe online through Indian Healthy Recipes and made it our own. 

Why This Tikka Masala Recipe Works

This recipe works well because all of the flavors come together - the chicken marinates for a few hours and soaks in the seasonings and Greek yogurt - the chicken is then charred on the stove and combines with a rich and flavorful masala sauce that adds spice and brings together original seasonings and spices.

Is This Chicken Tikka Masala Authentic?

I tried to incorporate as many authentic seasonings and spices as I could - including Tarkeeb Kashmiri Chili Powder, Cumin, and Kasoori Methi. 

If You Enjoy Authentic Recipes, You May Like

• Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
• Easy and Flaky Beef Empanadas
• Easy Homemade Birria Quesadillas
• Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients For Chicken

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• 1 1/2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• *1/2 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder 
• *1 tsp Garam Masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander
• *1/2 tsp cumin
• *1 tbsp kasuri methi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Ingredients For Sauce

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp coriander
• 3 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 1/4 cups pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi, to top
• 2 splenda packets (1-2 tsp sugar)

Note: I suggest marinating it for 3–24 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is ideal.

How to Bring Together the Tikka Masala

✓ Step #1: Prep the chicken - In a medium-sized bowl, add all of the diced chicken and chicken ingredients - Greek yogurt, chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, kasuri methi, olive oil, and garlic powder. Cover with aluminum foil and allow it to sit in the fridge anywhere from 5 hours to overnight.

✓ Step #2: Start making the sauce - In a large pan, add the olive oil, onion powder and garlic powder. Stir for about 20-30 seconds on medium heat. Be sure to not let it burn.

✓ Step #3: Add spices and seasonings - Turn the heat down to low and add the chili powder, coriander, garam masala and cumin. Stir. Add in the pasta sauce - I used a traditional tomato and basil pasta sauce and it worked great.

✓ Step #4: Sauce should be dark red: Cook sauce until it becomes a dark red color - about 4-5 minutes. While this is cooking, start step #5. 

✓ Step #5: Add paste to water: In a pot on the stove, add one cup of water and one cup of heavy cream. Boil. Once boiled, add the thick red paste to the water and heavy cream mixture. Turn to low and simmer for 12 minutes. The sauce should now be a yellow/orange color.

✓ Step #6: Finish sauce - While it's boiling, add one tablespoon of kasuri methi and two Splenda packets to the sauce. If it has too much liquid, turn the heat to medium for a few minutes. While it finishes boiling, start making the chicken in step #7.

✓ Step #7: Make the chicken - Take the chicken out of the fridge and add 1-2 tbsp olive oil to another pan. Set the heat to medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken to the pan for 3-4 minutes without disrupting it. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. The chicken should be crispy and cooked all the way through.

✓ Step #8: Add chicken to sauce - Add the chicken to the sauce and cook on low/medium for another 3-4 minutes. Serve over basmati rice and a side of naan bread. Top chicken with more heavy cream and kasuri methi.

How To Store 

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for 2-3 minutes or until warm. Serve with rice and bread.

Did You Enjoy This Indian-Inspired Recipe?

What did you think? Did you make this? Is this a recipe you will have on repeat like we will? I would love to know in the comments below!

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