Takeout-Style Chicken Tikka Masala at Home
Make restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala at home with this easy, flavor-packed recipe featuring marinated chicken, a creamy spiced tomato sauce, and the perfect balance of heat and richness. Serve it with basmati rice and naan for a satisfying, better-than-takeout meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- * 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
- * 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- * 1/2 a lemon juice
- * 1 tbsp chili powder
- * 2 tsp garam masala
- * 2 tsp curry powder
- * 1 tsp ground cumin
- * 1 tsp turmeric
- * 1 tsp paprika
- * 1 tsp cumin
- * 1 tsp salt
- * 1 tsp grated ginger
- * 2 cloves garlic minced
- * 2 tbsp Olive Oil
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- * 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- * 2 shallots finely chopped
- * 3 cloves garlic minced
- * 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated or ginger paste
- * 1 teaspoon cumin
- * 1 teaspoon curry powder
- * 1 teaspoon turmeric
- * 2 teaspoon garam masala
- * 14 oz tomato puree
- * 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option or condensed milk
- * 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- * Salt and pepper to taste
- * Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, spices, garlic and olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for the best flavor).
- Heat a large cast iron skillet medium-high heat. Add ghee to the pan and cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped shallot and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and stir well. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and gets a little darker red.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.