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Chicken tikka masala in a red pan.
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5 from 9 votes

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

A quick and easy homemade chicken tikka masala recipe using a jar of tikka curry paste.
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 453kcal
Author Beth Sachs

Equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Shallow Casserole
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken Breasts diced
  • 4 tablespoon Tikka Paste
  • 4 tablespoon Plain Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger peeled and grated or chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
  • 400 g Chopped Tomatoes
  • 200 ml Coconut Milk or coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Coriander chopped

Instructions

  • Marinade the chicken pieces in the tikka paste and yogurt for at least 20 minutes, but preferably overnight.
    4 Chicken Breasts, 4 tablespoon Tikka Paste, 4 tablespoon Plain Yogurt
  • Heat a little oil in a shallow casserole and gently cook the onion, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until soft.
    1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 Onion, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger
  • Turn the heat up to high and add in the chicken. Cook until the chicken changes colour. This will take about 4-5 minutes.
    4 Chicken Breasts
  • Add the coconut milk, chopped tomatoes, curry powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper and simmer on a medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Garnish with the chopped coriander.
    1 tablespoon Curry Powder, 400 g Chopped Tomatoes, 200 ml Coconut Milk, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, 2 tablespoon Coriander

Notes

Expert Tips:
  • If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for the best flavour. If you forget, don't worry, 20 minutes will be just fine!
  • Add a little tomato puree at the same time as the chopped tomatoes for a richer flavoured sauce.
  • For an extra creamy finish, drizzle a little double cream (heavy cream) into the pan at the end of cooking.
  • Finish with a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • 💡 Top Tip - For a more authentic tikka masala, grill or bbq the marinated chicken pieces on skewers before adding them to the sauce. I just don't have time to do this, so I cook them on a high heat in the pan instead.
 
Variations:
  • Make a lamb tikka masala instead.
  • Add a can of drained chickpeas and a handful of baby spinach leaves to the curry.
  • Up the heat and add a chopped red chili (or a teaspoon of red chili powder) at the same time as the onion.
  • Make slow cooker chicken tikka masala! Marinate the chicken as directed then add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. You may need to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking with thickening granules or cornflour (or cook with the lid off for the last hour of cooking!). You could also try making an Instant Pot version too.
 
Storage:
  • Store. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I actually prefer it the next day as the flavours have had more time to develop!
  • Reheat. Microwave until piping hot.
  • Freeze. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge fully before reheating in the microwave.
 
Nutrition:
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
 
 
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
453
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
147
mg
49
%
Sodium
 
1005
mg
44
%
Potassium
 
1240
mg
35
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
51
g
102
%
Vitamin A
 
2597
IU
52
%
Vitamin C
 
17
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
114
mg
11
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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