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A Nerd Cooks » Dinner

Chicken Tikka Masala

Sep 29, 2014 · Modified: Feb 26, 2023 by Lauren Pacek · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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For me, it doesn't get much better than Chicken Tikka Masala. It's indulgent, delicious, and comforting. This recipe produces a dish that is pretty dang close to what you'd get in a restaurant!

Chicken Tikka Masala | A Nerd Cooks

I am unable to say no to Indian food.

Since moving out to the suburbs, we have yet to find an Indian restaurant in our area that will satisfy my cravings. Rather than, you know, being patient or having self control, I took matters into my own hands.

Chicken Tikka Masala | A Nerd Cooks

I found this recipe via Bon Appétit, and made a few modifications.

✨ Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala | A Nerd Cooks

Chicken Tikka Masala

Lauren Pacek
For me, it doesn't get much better than Chicken Tikka Masala. It's indulgent, delicious, and comforting. This recipe produces a dish that is pretty dang close to what you'd get in a restaurant!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Marinating 6 hours hrs
Total Time 7 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 674 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 3 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 6 garlic cloves finely grated
  • 4 tablespoon peeled ginger finely grated
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 6 cardamom pods crushed
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 3 teaspoon curry powder
  • kosher salt to taste
  • rice and naan for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine the turmeric, garam masala, and cumin in a small bowl.  
  • Add half of the spice mixture, along with the garlic, ginger, yogurt, and salt, to a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine. Cover the remaining half of the spice mixture and set aside.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, making sure that it is completely coated in the yogurt and spice mixture. Cover and chill for 4-6 hours. 
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, tomato paste, cardamom, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and the tomato paste has darkened (~5 minutes). Add the remaining half of the spice mixture, stir to combine, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes; bring everything to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer. Stir often, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pot, until the sauce starts to thicken (~8-10 minutes).
  • Add the cream and curry powder. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit (~30 minutes).
  • While the sauce is cooking, preheat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, and top that foil with a wire rack (like the one you'd use for cooling your cookies). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on top of the rack. Broil for 10 minutes, or until black spots start to form on the chicken.
  • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. After the sauce has been simmering for about 30 minutes, add chicken to the sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (~15 additional minutes). Add salt to taste.
  • Serve over rice, with naan on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 6servingsCalories: 674kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 56gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 1636mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Want more curry-filled goodness? How about this Chicken Curry or Chicken Tikka Masala Soup?

Chicken Tikka Masala | A Nerd Cooks
Chicken Tikka Masala | A Nerd Cooks

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I love it when you share my recipes!

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Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. aducksoven

    September 30, 2014 at 4:45 am

    Tikka masala is probably the best food ever. Probably. Yum!

    Reply
    • A_Nerd_Cooks

      October 01, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      I'm right there with you!! I can't get enough.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at A Nerd Cooks. I'm a 30-something wife, mom, and scientist with a passion for mixing cocktails, brewing buzzy coffee drinks, and making other delicious beverages at home.

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