Name: Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (dried well, pounded evenly flat); 1 cup whole milk yogurt (plain, unsweetened); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion (finely chopped); 6 garlic cloves (minced); 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and grated); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 crushed tomatoes (28 oz. can, undrained); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); Dashes of kosher salt to taste

Imagine tender chunks of chicken bathed in an irresistibly creamy and spiced tomato sauce—that’s exactly what you get with this Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe. It captures the soul of Indian comfort food and brings it right to your kitchen, promising layers of flavor that will wow your taste buds every time.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of rich orange curry with visible chunks of meat and pieces of tomato mixed in a thick sauce, topped with small bright green herb pieces. Next to the curry, there is a portion of white rice sprinkled lightly with green herbs. On the edge of the plate, there are triangular pieces of light beige flatbread, with one piece resting partially in the curry. A shiny metal fork is placed on the right side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From one home cook to another—I’m truly smitten with this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe because it nails all the authentic flavors without the fuss. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.

Deep, rich flavors: Every bite is packed with well-balanced spices that smell heavenly and taste even better.
Authenticity in every step: This recipe stays true to the classic Indian preparation that you often crave from restaurants.
Simple ingredients, amazing results: You won’t need any hard-to-find spices or complicated techniques to impress yourself and your family.
Make ahead and freeze-friendly: You can prepare it in bulk, freeze leftovers, and still enjoy all the magic later on.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings together a robust mix of spices, creamy yogurt, and tomato that work harmoniously to create its signature tangy, slightly smoky profile. Here’s why each ingredient is a key player you won’t want to skip.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded evenly flat, a small heap of ground cumin, a small heap of ground coriander, a small heap of cayenne pepper, a small heap of ground ginger, a small heap of garlic powder, a small heap of chili powder, a small heap of garam masala, a small heap of ground turmeric, a whole white onion finely chopped in a white ceramic bowl, six fresh garlic cloves unpeeled, fresh peeled grated ginger in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of plain whole milk yogurt, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, a small white bowl of tomato paste, a small white bowl of crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl of sugar, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small pile of fresh chopped cilantro leaves, whole uncracked eggs with clean shells placed symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness helps them cook quickly and soak up marinade flavors beautifully.
Plain whole milk yogurt: Acts as both marinade base and tenderizer, giving the chicken incredible juiciness and a slight tang.
Ground cumin and coriander: These foundational warm spices give depth and a fragrant earthiness.
Cayenne pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming the palate.
Garam masala: This iconic Indian spice blend is essential—it brings that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: They create the luscious, rich base of the sauce, balancing acidity with sweetness.
Heavy cream: Just a splash to mellow the spices and make the sauce luxuriously silky.
Fresh ginger and garlic: These fresh aromatics keep the dish vibrant and savory, unlike powder-only versions.
Vegetable oil: For sautéing—neutral oil like this allows the spices to shine without competing flavors.
Fresh cilantro: A final sprinkle for freshness and that classic Indian finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with spice levels and creaminess depending on the mood and season—you can tweak it without losing what makes it so delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs—they stay extra juicy and have a richer flavor, which is perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Heat level adjustment: If you want more kick, I recommend adding a pinch more cayenne or some chopped green chilies during cooking.
Dairy-free option: I’ve swapped in coconut yogurt and coconut cream before for a lovely twist that works well if you want a dairy-free version.
Make it smoky: For a subtle smoky flavor, try adding a small dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

A white pot with two handles is filled with a thick reddish-orange sauce mixed with several pieces of light brown cooked meat. A woman's hand stirs the sauce with a wooden spoon that is slightly blurred from motion. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the sauce texture looks chunky and rich, covering the meat pieces unevenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Perfection

Start by drying your chicken breasts thoroughly, then pound them evenly flat so they cook uniformly. Mix the yogurt with salt, ground cumin, coriander, cayenne, garlic powder, and ground ginger, then toss the chicken pieces in. Let this marinate for at least an hour—overnight if possible—to infuse those flavors deep into the meat. Trust me, skipping this step is a recipe-for-disappointment!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering and sear the marinated chicken pieces on medium-high heat. You want a nice golden crust but don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so just focus on building that beautiful color.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add more oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and slightly golden. Toss in the fresh garlic and ginger next, stirring until aromatic—this only takes a minute or two. Then stir in the tomato paste along with chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Let all those spices bloom in the oil for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stir well, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and deepens its flavor. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish With Cream and Cilantro

Finally, stir in the heavy cream to mellow the spices and add a luscious texture. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top, adjust salt to taste, and give it one last gentle stir. That’s it—the magic moment where your kitchen fills with the scent of homemade comfort.

Top Tip

Through countless batches, I’ve learned that patience and layering flavors are what really make this recipe sing. Here are the nugget-sized tips I swear by for consistently amazing results every time.

Marinate long enough: Don’t rush the yogurt marinade—it tenderizes the chicken and creates that signature tang.
Bloom the spices: Cooking your spices briefly in oil unlocks their full aroma and depth, so never skip this step.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear just until golden and finish cooking in the sauce to keep it juicy and tender.
Add cream at the end: Stir it in off the heat or low heat to avoid curdling and keep that silky texture intact.

How to Serve Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

chicken tikka masala - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro—it adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes I add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over for a little brightness just before eating.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice is my go-to since it soaks up the sauce beautifully. Occasionally, I serve it alongside warm naan bread for scooping or even some simple cucumber raita to cool down the spices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp salad add nice textural contrast as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a dinner party, I served this in small copper bowls lined with banana leaves—everyone loved the authentic vibe and it made the meal feel extra special. You can also portion it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers for festive occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh and avoid condensation making the sauce watery.

Freezing

I often freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Wrapped well, it can last up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent curdling or drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe spicy?

This recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to the combination of cayenne and chili powder, but it’s very easy to adjust to taste. You can reduce or increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chilies to make it milder or hotter, depending on your preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly if they’re bone-in or thicker, but boneless thighs work perfectly here.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?

You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Alternatively, use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, less rich sauce—just expect a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding cream?

To keep the sauce creamy and smooth, add the cream towards the end of cooking under low heat or off the heat entirely. Stir gently and avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent separation.

Final Thoughts

Making this Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe has become a little ritual I cherish when I want to impress friends or enjoy something more exotic at home. It’s rewarding to nail the flavors right where you want them—and the smiles around the table say it all. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how it becomes your new favorite comfort dish!