I love to combine this simple Indian recipe with my classic naan and fluffy basmati rice to make a complete meal!

Ramsha Baig

This super creamy chicken tikka masala recipe is full of tender chicken thighs marinated in yoghurt and dipped in with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.

This classic Indian food is our go-to choice when ordering takeaway, but it’s actually very easy to make at home. One ingredient you may not have in your pantry yet is Garam masala. It’s basically the Indian version of Chinese five-spice powder.

What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?

If you’re new to Tikka Masala, this is a traditional Indian dish of meat (usually chicken, lamb, shrimp) cooked in a hot clay oven (tandoor oven) and coated with a rich, creamy sauce (or curry). With lots of spices.

The main spice that gives the dish its name is Garam masala.

Garam masala is a blend of various spices such as coriander, peppercorn, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon. It has a slightly nutty sweet taste. Very unique!

 Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Tikka masala is traditionally cooked in Tandoor that can reach 900 degrees Fahrenheit! As we are making Tikka Masala at home, obviously we don’t have tandoor, so here’s how to quickly and easily prepare chicken tikka masala in the oven.

Ingredients Needed For Tikka Masala

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to makeTikka Masala at home.

• Boneless/Skinless Chicken Thighs: You could also use boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Plain Yoghourt: Helps to tenderise the chicken
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Garam Masala
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Chilli Powder
• Onion
• Ground Coriander
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Tomato Puree: You can also use crushed tomatoes. Try to stay away from tomato sauce, because that has other seasonings in it.
• Heavy Cream: Try using half and half for a lower-fat version

How To Make Chicken Tikka Masala

MARINATE: Mix yoghurt with chicken thighs, garlic, ginger and other spices. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours, covered in the fridge.

SKEWER: Line a 9×13″ baking pan with foil, then thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and prop up both ends of the skewers in the sides of the pan, so the chicken is elevated above the bottom of the pan.

BAKE: Heat the oven on 500 degrees F. and bake for just 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender through, and golden brown.

MAKE THE SAUCE: While the chicken is cooking, make the creamy sauce by sautéing some onion, garlic and ginger along with more spices. Stir in tomato puree and heavy cream and add in the cooked chicken pieces.

PRO TIP: You can also cook the chicken on a hot grill to avoid heating up the kitchen.

Is Chicken Tikka Masala Spicy?

The main level of spice (heat) comes from the cayenne pepper.

I’m most effective adding in 1/4 tsp, which gives it a bit of a kick of heat, however even my 2 yr old likes it, and eats it without criticism.

That being stated, if you don’t want heat, move in advance and leave out the cayenne pepper. if you would love it spicier, try upping it to 1/2 tsp!