Chicken Tikka Masala
Roast spiced yogurt-marinated chicken and fold it into a tomato-cream sauce for a British curry-house-style chicken tikka masala.
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 40 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Servings
- 4

Roasting the chicken separately adds browned edges before it meets the sauce. This home version uses a hot oven rather than a tandoor and keeps the chili level moderate. A little onion gives the sauce texture, while cream rounds out the tomatoes. Prepare the sauce during roasting so both components are ready to combine.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Serves 4 · Prep 20 min · Cook 40 min · Rest 30 min · Total 1 hr 30 min
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix chicken, yogurt, lemon, 1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, paprika, and half the salt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Arrange chicken on a foil-lined rimmed sheet, leaving excess marinade behind. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Discard unused marinade.
- Meanwhile, cook onion in oil for 8 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and remaining garam masala; stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, water, and remaining salt; simmer 15 minutes.
- Add roasted chicken and cream to the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, until hot throughout, then serve.
A few kitchen notes
- Space chicken pieces apart to encourage browning.
Ingredient substitutions
- Use boneless thighs; roast until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 days. Reheat chicken and sauce to 165°F (74°C).
What to serve with it
Serve with steamed basmati rice and a cucumber salad.
Comments & kitchen questions
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Questions from the kitchen
Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala ahead?
Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 days. Reheat chicken and sauce to 165°F (74°C).
What if I can’t find an ingredient?
Use boneless thighs; roast until they reach 165°F (74°C).
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