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Tikka Masala

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Tikka masala is a popular and flavorful Indian dish known around the world for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, that is broiled until lightly charred.

I tried to control the heat of this dish, but it is still pretty spicy! It is delicious, but you will definitely want to have a cold drink and some Homemade Naan ready!

a big black bowl of Tikki Masala with white rice and pita bread in the background

Maybe it is just me, I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to spicy foods. I’m sure my son will add hot sauce to it to kick up the heat! If you and your family prefer hot and spicy,  go ahead and double the jalapeno and/or add more cayenne! Go on, I double dog dare ya!

Tikki Masala served with rice and pita bread

How to make Tikka Masala:

Start by mixing the marinade together in a bowl…..

Tikka Masala marinade cookingwithcurls.com

Place the chicken thighs in a large, zipper topped bag, and add the marinade…..

Tikka Masala bag cookingwithcurls.com

Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken…..

Tikka Masala massage cookingwithcurls.com

Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to marinate.

Melt butter in a heavy, bottom pan {Dutch oven}. Add the onion, reduce the heat the medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes until soft…..

Tikka Masala onions cookingwithcurls.com

Stir in the jalapeno, coriander, cumin, garam masala, garlic, and ginger…..

Tikka Masala seasoning cookingwithcurls.com

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the jalapeno. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper…..

Tikka Masala tomatoes cookingwithcurls.com

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet…..

Tikka Masala bake cookingwithcurls.com

Bake for 15 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil chicken just until lightly charred…..

Tikka Masala broiled cookingwithcurls.com

Remove from oven, and allow to set for 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the coconut milk/cream, cilantro, salt and pepper to the sauce. Stir to thoroughly combine…..

Tikka Masala cream cookingwithcurls.com

Slice or chop chicken and add to the Masala Sauce…..

Tikka Masala add chicken cookingwithcurls.com

Stir to combine.

Serve with rice and/or heated Naan bread…..

tikka masala served over rice on a dark blue plate with pita bread on the side

Enjoy!!

a big black bowl of Tikki Masala with white rice and pita bread in the background

Tikka Masala

This delicious Tikka Masala is chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, broiled and served in a marsala sauce with rice and naan bread on the side!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chicken, yogurt, coconut, recipe, spicy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 399kcal
Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

Marinade

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Masala Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion finely diced – about 1 cup
  • 3 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon diced jalapeno pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 Teaspoons garam masala
  • 28 ounce can roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus additional for garnish)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Mix all marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
  • Place chicken in a large, zipper topped bag. Add the marinade and massage chicken to thoroughly coat.
  • Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to marinate.
  • Heat butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes, until soft.
  • Add the jalapeno, cumin, coriander, garam masala, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet, and bake in a 400 degree preheated oven for fifteen minutes.
  • Turn on broiler, and broil chicken until lightly charred.
  • Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Slice chicken and add to sauce, stir to combine.
  • Serve Tikka Masala with rice and/or Naan bread.

Notes

If you want more heat, double the amount of jalapeno and add more cayenne.

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 510mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1100IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 3.9mg

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22 Comments

  1. That looks wonderful! I love tikka masala (particularly with tofu and paneer), your version sounds great! Might need a bit more heat though, LOL 😛

  2. I’ve never had tikka masala with coconut milk sounds terrific. I like spice, but not so much that my taste buds go numb. My son also kicks up most things with hot sauce too.

  3. Lisa, I’ve never had this before and yes, I’m definitely a wuss when it comes to spicy food, but this looks really amazing! I love chicken, so I must might have to step out of my food comfort zone and try this. Thanks for sharing the recipe and pinning! Have a great Wednesday!

  4. My mouth is watering ….. I can’t even tell you how good this sounds right now! Sharing on FB and pinned!

  5. G’day! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe at our #SayGdayParty! Looks delish!
    Please make sure to stop back if you haven’t already and visit some other people’s blogs!
    I am also curious if you have answered any of the questions I asked on my blog about this week’s party?
    Cheers! Joanne

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