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Classic Chicken Tikka Masala

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

Master the art of making chicken tikka masala with perfectly spiced grilled chicken in a luscious tomato-cream sauce.

Medium
Prep: 45 minsCook: 30 minsServes: 4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1.5 cups yogurt
  • 3 tbsp tikka masala spice blend
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions, pureed
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine yogurt, tikka masala spice, paprika, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp oil. Add chicken and marinate for 4-6 hours.

  2. 2

    Preheat grill or broiler to high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill until charred and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  3. 3

    Heat remaining oil in a large pan. Add pureed onions and cook until deep golden, about 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add garlic and ginger, cook for 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir in cream and garam masala. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  7. 7

    Add grilled chicken tikka pieces to the sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

  8. 8

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Chef's Notes

Chicken Tikka Masala is often called Britain’s national dish, but its roots trace back to the rich culinary traditions of India. Our version at Spice Room strikes the perfect balance between the smoky, charred chicken tikka and the velvety masala sauce.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
Home Cooking

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Classic Chicken Tikka Masala

Classic Chicken Tikka Masala

Prep: 45 mins · Cook: 30 mins · Serves: 4-6

Key ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed, 1.5 cups yogurt, 3 tbsp tikka masala spice blend, 1 tbsp paprika, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp vegetable oil…

Get Full Recipe →

Recipe by SPICE ROOM Denver

<blockquote cite="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe" style="max-width:400px;font-family:Georgia,serif;border:1px solid #D4A853;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;margin:1em auto;">
<img src="https://denverspiceroom.com/food/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe.webp" alt="Classic Chicken Tikka Masala" style="width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;" />
<div style="padding:16px;">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:18px;color:#1A1A2E;">Classic Chicken Tikka Masala</h3>
<p style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:13px;color:#666;">Prep: 45 mins · Cook: 30 mins · Serves: 4-6</p>
<p style="margin:0 0 12px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Key ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed, 1.5 cups yogurt, 3 tbsp tikka masala spice blend, 1 tbsp paprika, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp vegetable oil…</p>
<a href="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:inline-block;padding:8px 16px;background:#D4A853;color:#1A1A2E;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;">Get Full Recipe →</a>
<p style="margin:8px 0 0;font-size:10px;color:#aaa;">Recipe by <a href="https://denverspiceroom.com?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" style="color:#D4A853;">SPICE ROOM Denver</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>