Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Hey food-loving folks! Dive into this scrummy Easy Chicken Tikka Masala that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a rich, creamy, and spicy dish that will make you question why you ever ordered takeout. Trust me, this is THE dish you whip up when you want to pretend you’re fancy but also forgot to go grocery shopping till 5 PM. Give it a go — it’s worth that extra splash of cream on cheat day. 😜

So, storytime! This dish became a staple in our little home by pure accident. One evening, while twirling and spilling spices everywhere in the kitchen, my husband waltzes in, nose-first, and claims it’s the best-smelling experiment yet. Fast forward to today, it’s a weekly ritual — him exclaiming the same, kids greedily licking plates clean. No joke, it’s become our Sunday soul food after a week of wildness.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

– You can throw it together with half-empty spice jars and still impress.
– It’s practically a warm, cozy blanket disguised as food.
– Kids go nuts for it — and they mostly think spice is the devil. Miraculous!
– You’ll look like a kitchen wizard without needing wizardry skills.
– The leftovers are a next-day hero — if they make it to leftovers.

How to Make It

Okay, first things first, let’s pretend we’re not getting flour everywhere. Start by marinating your chicken in this crazy-tasty-yoghurt-spice combo — give it at least 30 minutes or overnight if you have your life super together. Then, you’re going to want to sear those chicken pieces in a hot pan until they’re golden. Like, don’t skimp on the toasty bits; they’re life! After that, toss in onion and garlic until they’re soft and having a party in the pan. Stir in those spices that smell like heaven, and add tomato sauce and cream to the mix. Let it simmer and do its magic while you dance around to your feel-good playlist. Before serving, taste and adjust the flavor like the spice whisperer you’ve become.

Ingredient Notes

– Chicken: Obviously the star! And when I say cut into chunks, I mean them being generously odd-sized. No science here, folks.
– Yogurt: Keeps things tender and juicy. Skip it if you want your chicken to double as gum.
– Spices: The heart and soul! Don’t skip them unless tasteless mush is your goal (pass, thanks).

Recipe Steps: You must fill the “Recipe Steps” section with a clear, step-by-step version of the instructions. Do not leave it empty. Summarize the main actions from the ‘How to Make It’ section in concise steps. Each step should start with a verb and follow a numbered format.

1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sear chicken in a hot pan until golden and delicious.
3. Cook onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in spices, then pour in tomato sauce and cream.
5. Let it all simmer until the chicken is tender.
6. Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve with love.

What to Serve It With

Serve with warm naan, fluffy rice, or if you’re feeling rascally, fries. Better yet, a cheeky combo of all three.

Tips & Mistakes

– Over-marinate, and your chicken’s a sponge — but in the best way.
– Not a garlic fan? Just lob a bunch in anyway. Cooking lightens the punch, I promise.
– Watched pot = no boil magic. Trust the process and resist hovering.

Storage Tips

Pop those leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. They’re great cold, but unforgettable when reheated. Breakfast curry? Totally a thing around here. No judgment, pure delight.

Variations and Substitutions

Coconut milk instead of cream? Oh yeah, bring on the tropical vibes. And when I’ve run dry, plain ol’ milk works too, just not as rich. Missing a spice? Google “homemade blend” or throw caution to the wind — remember, chaos IS kitchen art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe features tender marinated chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce for a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 cup plain yogurt for marinade
• ▢ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ▢ 1 cup tomato puree
• ▢ 0.5 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 1 tbsp garam masala
• ▢ 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ▢ 1 tsp ground cumin
• ▢ 1 tsp paprika
• ▢ 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice level
• ▢ 3 clove garlic minced
• ▢ 1 inch fresh ginger grated
• ▢ 1 each onion finely chopped
• ▢ 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
• ▢ 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, cayenne, half the garlic, ginger, and salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the marinated chicken with all the marinade to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is mostly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
• Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor and thicken the sauce.
• Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until sauce is creamy and chicken is fully cooked.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Notes

Adjust spices to taste. Leftover tikka masala is great for meal prep and reheats well.