Chicken Tikka Masala the Quick and Easy Version
Who knew you could get a perfectly delicious Tikka Masala ready in 30 minutes? Yes, start to finish in 30 minutes! This is a classic Indian dish that is super popular here in the U.S. and one of my favorite Indian recipes. It’s a healthy chicken recipe is totally worthy of being added to your dinner rotation. It is brimming with delicious spices and rich flavors and it’s a dinner the whole family will love! In fact this has already become a regular dinner at my house. We love it served with basmati rice and naan too!
The Homemade Spice Blend
I made my own Garam Masala spice blend for chicken tikka masala, which I would recommend (even though it will add a few extra minutes the first time, it should give you enough for 4 batches of this). I recommend making your own blend because with store-bought versions there are so many different spice combinations and ratios out there for this specific blend. And yes, the cardamom is expensive but you’ll get a lot of meals out of one jar of it (or you can also use it to make chai spice cookies, smoothies, etc. Or make more Indian food because it’s amazing!).
Ingredients for Tikka Masala
Fresh ginger Garlic Yellow onion Boneless skinless chicken breasts Spices including Garam Masala, paprika, and cayenne pepper Olive oil Tomato Paste Canned crushed tomatoes Plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream Lemon Fresh cilantro
Scroll below for full printable recipe.
A Note about Canned Tomatoes
The canned crushed tomatoes thickness varies pretty widely based on the brand you buy. So adjust the liquid accordingly. Some brands are thick others are thin and runny so with the thicker versions add more liquid with the thinner versions simmer a little longer if needed or thicken with a teaspoon or two of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I Substitute with Cream Instead?
If you want to make it richer you can use heavy cream in place of the Greek yogurt. Just be sure that you let the sauce simmer until it’s fairly thick first or add a little cornstarch in with the cream so the sauce isn’t runny.
How to Make Tikka Masala
Pulse ginger and garlic in a food processor. Add onion and pulse until finely chopped. Toss chicken with 1 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt. Cook chicken in a oiled skillet, turning once halfway through, about 7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Saute onion mixture in same skillet 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, remaining 1 Tbsp garam masala, the paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, season and cook until heated and thickened. Return chicken to pan and warm. Off heat stir in Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
More Indian Recipes You’ll Love
Tandoori Chicken Chicken Curry Red Vegetable Curry
