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Quick Indian Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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Indian Chicken Tikka Masala in 20 Minutes

Similar to butter chicken, the chicken tikka masala is the most popular recipe in most Indian restaurants. My chicken tikka is a quick and easy version in just 20 minutes. This spiced tender pieces of chicken cooked in a curry sauce is surprisingly simple and easy to make.

Tikka Masala is Indian Chicken Recipe in 20 minutes
Tikka Masala Homemade Indian Chicken in 20 minutes

To most of my non-Indian friends, Indian food means chicken tikka, tandoori chicken, biryani and those exotic Indian dishes. Right? My friends honestly believe these are so difficult to make.

The truth is Indian cooking is easy yet time-consuming. We Indians love food so much that we spend a lot of time fussing over it. Back in the day moms would stay at home and make elaborate meals for the rest of the family to come home to. Today we do not have that luxury of time. So we make the same dishes just using the fast forward or quick methods.

Tikka Masala is Indian Chicken Recipe in 20 minutes
Tikka Masala Homemade Indian Chicken in 20 minutes

Ingredients and substitutes (save/pin)

  • Chicken - You know I'm not a big fan of chicken breast so I always use thighs but chicken breast works just as well. Just don't cook it too long. The chicken breast will usually cook in about 5 to 6 minutes. Overcooking chicken breast will make it dry and tough.
  • Plain Yogurt - It's always best to use regular whole milk yogurt (about 3% works). Do not use skimmed or low fat these just create too much gravy and do not give that yogurt texture. Also, do not use sweetened yogurt! Trust me!
  • Sour Cream - if you don't want to use sour cream you can use more yogurt. But just taste it first; if the yogurt is too sour reduce the lemon juice in the recipe.
  • Spice mix - For those of you that have Indian spices, I encourage you to use these. Alternatively, you can use curry powder.
    Curry powder is a good blend of these spices that work great in any simple Indian dish.
  • Fenugreek Powder - This is an Indian Spice that usually won't be in curry powder but is quite authentic to Chicken Tikka Masala. Again it can be omitted! The dish will still be very tasty just with that little unique flavor missing. Living abroad for so long I have had difficulty finding this as well but never stopped me from making Chicken Tikka.

 Can you see how soft and tender that is? Just melts in the mouth.

Unlike popular belief the Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is simple and quick to make! The process is as simple as adding all ingredients in a bowl and cooking. This is a great recipe cooked in a pan and served over a bowl or rice or threaded over a skewers served with Chapati or Naan. An absolutely treat in summer or winter. 

Useful tips and tools

  • I keep my silicon wooden spatulas for my Indian food. Avoid wooden spoons and spatulas unless you don't mind that they can leave color and flavor, which may not work with other foods.
  • Also, use a glass or stainless steel bowl to prepare the marinade. Avoid plastic as they can absorb color and flavor. And, never use aluminum for yogurt or lemon marinades as they cause oxidization of the metal.
  • Use a heavy bottom saute pan when making rice as it prevents sticking on the bottom. I like to use my cast-iron skillet as it retains heat nicely.
  • A clean chopping board and a utility knife work best for cutting the veggies.
  • Also, I like to use a flat rubber spatula when stirring the rice so it does not break the grains.
  • The quantity of water to rice is important in order to have a fluffy, not soupy rice. This means that you want to use a measuring cup for the liquid ingredients.
Tikka Masala is Indian Chicken Recipe in 20 minutes
Tikka Masala Homemade Indian Chicken in 20 minutes

Indian Chicken Tikka Masala (save/pin)

  • Cut chicken pieces into small bite-size pieces
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare Marinade

  • In a glass or ceramic bowl prepare marinade (do not use metal).
  • Add the yogurt, all the dry spices including salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
  • Lastly, add the lemon juice and oil
  • If using food color add now (note above I have not used any food color).
  • Again mix well to coat.

Pan Cooking Method

  • Heat a saute pan on medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken piece with all the marinade.
  • Toss and stir the pieces around while keeping the heat on medium to high.
  • The chicken will release the juices and the high heat will reduce it immediately giving the yogurt that smoked flavor.
  • Continue to cook on medium - stirring often until chicken is cooked (6 to 10 minutes)
  • Lastly, add the tomato paste and sour cream - Cook for a minute and turn the heat off. 
  • Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency. If necessary add more water to make gravy (I served these with chapati so I made less gravy)
  • Sprinkle with cilantro leaves if desired.
Tikka Masala is Indian Chicken Recipe in 20 minutes
Tikka Masala Homemade Indian Chicken in 20 minutes

Frequently asked questions

How long with this chicken tikka masala?

This chicken tikka recipe will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely, this recipe is very simple and easy and can be multiplied a few times if you need to serve more people. Just change the number of servings in the recipe card below and it should calculate the recipe for you.

Can I use beef or lamb for this recipe?

Chicken tikka is made with chicken but the same recipe can be used with beef or lamb with a few variations. Check out my recipe for lamb masala, beef curry.

What do you serve this chicken tikka masala?

Today, I have served it with steamed rice. Sometimes, I serve it with our family coconut turmeric rice. Having said that, Indian chapati, roti or naan are perfect with this as well.

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Tikka Masala is Indian Chicken Recipe in 20 minutes
Tikka Masala Homemade Indian Chicken in 20 minutes
Unlike popular belief the Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is simple and quick to make! The process is as simple as adding all ingredients in a bowl and cooking. This is a great recipe cooked in a pan and served over a bowl or rice or threaded over a skewers served with Chapati or Naan. An absolutely treat in summer or winter. 

Quick Chicken Tikka Masala in 20 mins

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Calories: 141kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 4 servings

Description

Similar to butter chicken, the chicken tikka masala is the most popular recipe in most Indian restaurants. My chicken tikka is a quick and easy version in just 20 minutes. This spiced tender pieces of chicken cooked in a curry sauce is surprisingly simple and easy to make.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) Boneless chicken thigh or breast
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp Garlic paste minced
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste do not use for skewers
  • 2 tbsp Sour cream do not use for skewers
  • 1/8 tsp Red food color  optional

Ground spices

  • 1 tsp Chily powder or cayenne
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dry fenugreek / kasoori methi
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions

  • Cut chicken pieces into small bite-size pieces
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare Marinade

  • In a glass or ceramic bowl prepare marinade (do not use metal).
  • Add the yogurt, all the dry spices including salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
  • Lastly, add the lemon juice and oil
  • If using food color add now (note above I have not used any food color).
  • Again mix well to coat.

Pan Cooking Method

  • Heat a saute pan on medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken piece with all the marinade.
  • Toss and stir the pieces around while keeping the heat on medium to high.
  • The chicken will release the juices and the high heat will reduce it immediately giving the yogurt that smoked flavor.
  • Continue to cook on medium - stirring often until chicken is cooked (6 to 10 minutes)
  • Lastly, add the tomato paste and sour cream - Cook for a minute and turn the heat off. 
  • Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency. If necessary add more water to make gravy (I served these with chapati so I made less gravy)
  • Sprinkle with cilantro leaves if desired.

Recipe Notes

 

Skewer Cooking Method

  • Alternatively, you can skewer the chicken pieces over soaked bamboo or satay sticks.
  • Grill them on high for 5 to 8 minutes until cooked with beautifully charred marks.
 

What can you do with leftover chicken tikka masala?

Indian chicken tikka is great to have on hand for many things, so leftovers are always a great thing to have on hand.
  1. Chicken Wraps - Make quick great snack for kids' school meals. You can buy or make tortilla or Indian chapati.
  2. or Chicken tikka sandwiches - Use them as the base for sandwiches of course - add some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
  3. Chicken tikka noodles - My kids love this chicken served over hot noodles. 
  4. or Chicken tikka pasta - Do the same with your kids favorite pasta 
  5. chicken pizza - chicken tikka is a treat over delicios homemade pizza. 

Equipment

Saute Pan 5Q
Mixing Bowl
Spatula
Nutrition Information
Serving: 100gCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 13.8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.3gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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This butter chicken is the best you will ever make and definitely better than any restaurant take out. Made with boneless chicken, yogurt, easy to find spices and just 20 minutes. Serve it over steam rice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Indian Butter Chicken in 20 mins
This classic Indian Butter chicken is a favorite to Indians as well as non-Indians. This simple, easy and effortless recipe makes a quick butter chicken using yogurt instead of cream and uses curry powder that can be easily found in most super markets, which means you don't need to have a fully stocked pantry of Indian spices. 
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Easy Indian Chicken Biryani - (video recipe)
This Hyderabadi chicken biryani is an Indian classic. No one ever forgets eating a good biryani. Chicken biryani is essentially a rich yogurt based chicken curry buried under aromatic basmati rice flavored with warm garam masala spices, golden fried onions and a splash of saffron for that vibrant color.

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Molly Kumar

    Tikka Masala is a complete comfortfood for me and this is so yummmm!!! I love how easy the recipe is.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      I agree Molly, absolute comfort food.

      Reply

  2. Julie

    Chicken tikka masala is one of our favorites to make at home -- I love making "take out" type food right in our own kitchen!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Julie. Often it's so easy to make these at home. Like this one.

      Reply

  3. Jessica Pinney

    Wow, I am blown away by how thoroughly written this recipe is! I will definitely be giving it a try as I love tikka masala but have never made it myself.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Jessica. I think you will love how easy this recipe is.

      Reply

  4. Karyl Henry

    I love Indian food, but don't make it at home nearly enough. This chicken recipe looks incredibly flavorful and simple, and I'll definitely give it a try

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      This one is really very easy Karyl - you must ty.

      Reply

  5. Jagruti Dhanecha

    This dish hugely popular here in Britain and your quick recipe sounds so delicious, I make with paneer and tofu 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Jagruti. Yes, my kids love this one too. But often it's kinda too much work on a busy day. This one is really quick.

      Reply

  6. Kim @ Berly's Kitchen

    I've never tried tikka masala, but I keep seeing the recipe everywhere. This is something I need to make. Your recipe sounds so good, and looks so easy. This may just be dinner one night this week. 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Kim. You must try tikka masala. It's really delicious. Very creamy and melts in the mouth.

      Reply

  7. Chelsey

    Love Indian food and especially Chicken Tikka Masala! This looks fabulous, can't wait to try!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Chelsey. I hope you try this one.

      Reply

  8. Lorie

    Really really wishing this was on our menu tonight but adding it to next week's meal planning! This is one of my favorite dishes!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Lorie. Yes these are so easy to make.

      Reply

  9. Jordan

    Yayyyyy! A new Indian recipe to try out at home. There are literally no Indian restaurants near us which is SO sad. But I guess that just means more experimenting at home!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Jordan. I have the same problem. I don't like any Indian restaurant near me. I hope you try this one, it's super easy.

      Reply

  10. Tammy

    My mouth is watering! This looks so amazing, Venna! Such amazing flavors in this dish. I have never had tikka masala but I'd love to try this ^_^

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Tammy. You will love this if you like Indian food.

      Reply

  11. Dawn

    How good does this look?! So much better than any take out and I can actually stay home with my comfy clothes on with a big plate of this deliciousness 😉

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Dawn. This one is so easy and quick it beats take away any time.

      Reply

  12. Gloria

    This looks like something you can whip up any night of the week. We enjoy trying foods of the world. Love the fact you can make this at home and avoid take-out.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely, Gloria. Does not take long at all.

      Reply

  13. Caitlya

    I made Chicken Tikka Masala for the first time and I tried your recipe because I always have success with your cake recipes. And this worked great too! Thanks

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Caitlya, So happy to hear you had success with this recipe and love my cake recipes too. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback, appreciate it very much. Always a great feeling to read such success and positive comments. Thank you.

      Reply

  14. Rochelle

    You may already know this, Veena, but in Israel, fenugreek is the well known Yemenite spice Hilbeh. You can find it in a shuk spice store.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Rochelle. I do actually know this but I usually buy mine at the Indian grocery store. Thanks

      Reply

  15. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    I've got to get more adventuresome in my cooking. I've been meaning to make more exotic dishes and this one looks easy enough to make. I do have curry powder that isn't 10 years old (lol) and I think I'll make some this week. Now, Hubby always has to have some kind of starch with it. What do you think about rice? And mom's cooking is so good because of all the love she puts into it. Oh, lots of love goes into mine but she just perfected it!! Great sounding recipe.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Steamed rice is perfect for curry. I grew up eating steamed white rice with curry! This one is great in wraps too! yup tortilla wrap.. a side of salad and it's perfect dinner.

      Reply

  16. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    I LOVE cooking Indian food. I know I am not a pro at it, but the aroma of all those spices is always so inviting. This sounds and looks delicious. With comfort food season just around the corner, I will have to give this a try. I will make a HUGE batch and give some to the kids to take home too.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      OH you don't need to be a pro in Indian cooking Gloria.!! It's so easy. Especially with all the spices so easily available now a days.

      Reply
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