This much-loved Chicken Tikka Masala is as authentic as it can get. Chunks of chicken are infused with an aromatic spice mix and then chargrilled before adding to a luscious creamy tomato-based curry.

Chicken tikka masala in a white serving dish with lemon wedges, coriander stems, bay leaves on the side.

Do you ever crave for that glorious Chicken Tikka Masala that you order at your favourite Indian restaurant? I swear this recipe is just like that, only fresher, healthier and cheaper! Pair it with my soft Indian-style Garlic Naan and you will forget takeout.

I spent hours of research and experiments into formulating the perfect chicken tikka masala for you guys. And finally, I have nailed the flavours. I do not like to over-sell my recipes but I am seriously blown over how incredible this one is.

And the best part is that there's a calorie-rich, oozing-with-cream version and a healthy, not-compromising-on-any-taste version (read below). I have made both ways and I really cannot tell the difference.

Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, everything is already in your spice cabinet. Put on your aprons and get cooking people! You are gonna love my Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala.

closeup shot of chicken tikka masala garnished with coriander leaves

Healthy Version of Chicken Tikka Masala

You can make this Chicken Tikka Masala healthy by following these tips.

Use olive oil.
Substitute cream with equal amount of evaporated milk.
Skip the butter, it doesn't affect the taste a lot.

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📖 Recipe

Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala

Authentic, creamy, luscious Chicken Tikka Masala just like you get at your local Indian restaurant.

4.86 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings: 4

Author: Qashang

Ingredients

500 g boneless chicken cut in cubes

FOR MARINATION

¼ cup yogurt
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon neutral oil

FOR CURRY

2 tablespoon neutral oil
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cloves
2-3 whole black pepper
2-3 green cardamom
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 small onion chopped
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin powder
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika powder
2 medium tomatoes sliced
1 cup water
¾ cup cream
1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves
50 g butter

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients of the marination and rub it over the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for at least 2 hours and if you have time then overnight is best.
Heat 2-3 tablespoon of oil in your normal/grill pan. Cook the chicken pieces. Put aside when done.
In another pan, heat 2 tablespoon of oil. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, whole black pepper, green cardamom, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Stir till the oil is infused with their flavour. It's optional but since I find these strong, at this point I take out the cardamoms, bay leaf and cinnamon stick from the pan.
Now add the onions and ginger garlic paste. Saute till the onions are translucent.
Then add in the tomatoes and all the spices; cumin powder, red chili, paprika, salt and turmeric. Cook till the tomatoes are mushy and oil seeps from the side.
Now pour in the water. Bring to boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat, and put the mixture aside to cool.
Then add it to the blender and pulse till smooth. The curry will achieve a thick consistency now.
Put the curry back into your pot, keep the flame on medium-low and add the cream. Simmer till the curry starts to thicken.
Add in your grilled chicken. Sprinkle the fenugreek leaves and add butter. Cover the pot and leave on low heat for 2 mins.
Serve with some naan or rice!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 30gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 1153mgPotassium: 801mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1997IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and a review in the comments. You can also tag @chilitochoc on Instagram. I love hearing your feedback!

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Comments

4.86 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)