Why You’ll Love this Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
Every bite of this chicken tikka masala delivers pure comfort in a bowl. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin, wraps around tender chicken pieces that have been marinated and lightly charred to perfection.
Don’t you just love when restaurant-quality dishes come together in your own kitchen?
What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors—tangy yogurt marinade, warming spices, and rich cashew-infused cream sauce.
I’m particularly fond of how the turmeric adds both color and earthy depth. The best part? You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference while still maintaining that authentic taste.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala?
The beauty of chicken tikka masala lies in its perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and that irresistibly creamy sauce that somehow makes everything better.
What I adore about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something magical, creating layers of flavor that dance on your palate. The ingredient list might look a bit long at first glance, but don’t worry—most are spices you might already have in your pantry, and the rest are straightforward items you can find at any grocery store.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 ounces tikka paste
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large tomato, cut into eight sections
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 15-20 cashews, ground
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the spices. Fresh spices will give you that vibrant flavor that makes tikka masala so memorable.
Can’t find tikka paste? Some stores carry it in the international foods section, but if you’re stuck, a good quality tandoori paste can work as a substitute.
For the creamiest texture, don’t skip the ground cashews—they add a subtle nuttiness and help thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency.
And while full-fat yogurt works best for the marinade (it tenderizes the chicken beautifully), Greek yogurt can be substituted in a pinch, just expect a slightly tangier result.
How to Make this Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
The magic of this chicken tikka masala begins with a flavorful marinade. Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, then mix them with 3 ounces of tikka paste and 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also tenderizes it beautifully. Let this mixture rest in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours—trust me, the longer the better.
When you’re ready to cook, thread these marinated chicken pieces onto bamboo skewers and broil them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re almost cooked through and starting to blacken slightly on top. Remember to rotate the pan once during cooking for even heat distribution, and don’t throw away that remaining marinade—it’s liquid gold for our sauce!
Now for the aromatic curry base that makes this dish so irresistible. Heat 4 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, then add 1 large chopped onion and fry for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic paste and ginger paste, stirring for about 2 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this point.
Then comes the spice symphony: 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric, followed by 1/2 teaspoon each of ground coriander, cumin, chili powder, and garam masala. Let these spices bloom for 2-3 minutes, releasing their crucial oils and deepening the flavor profile. Mix that reserved marinade with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and slowly incorporate it into the pan, allowing about half to evaporate and concentrate.
The final transformation happens when you add 1 large tomato (cut into eight sections) and 1 teaspoon of salt, cooking just until the tomato begins to soften. Investing in a premium cookware set will ensure even heat distribution and prevent your delicate sauce from burning. Now for the crowning glory—stir in 15-20 ground cashews and 1 cup of heavy cream along with your broiled chicken pieces.
Cover the pan and let everything simmer together on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to that signature velvety consistency. The ground cashews provide both richness and body to the sauce, while the cream adds that luxurious smoothness we all crave.
Once off the heat, let it cool slightly before serving with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every last drop of that ambrosial sauce. Could dinner possibly get any more comforting?
Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Substitutions and Variations
While mastering the perfect chicken tikka masala is rewarding, I’m all about making this recipe work with what you’ve got in your pantry.
No tikka paste? Try combining tomato paste with garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Greek yogurt works beautifully instead of plain, and coconut milk can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.
Don’t have cashews? Almonds provide similar richness.
Vegetarians can swap chicken for paneer or tofu, marinating just the same. For extra veggies, toss in peas, bell peppers, or cauliflower.
And if you’re spice-shy, reduce the chili powder—or crank it up if you love heat!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
Choosing perfect accompaniments for your chicken tikka masala transforms it from a delicious dish into a complete dining experience.
I always recommend serving it with basmati rice or naan bread—or honestly, why not both? The fluffy rice soaks up that rich, creamy sauce while warm naan provides the perfect scoop-able vessel.
For a revitalizing contrast, add a simple cucumber raita or kachumber salad on the side. The cooling yogurt and crisp vegetables balance the warming spices beautifully.
A small dish of mango chutney offers a sweet counterpoint that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this chicken tikka masala recipe, you’ll never need to order takeout again.
There’s something magical about creating this iconic dish in your own kitchen—the fragrant spices, that creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly tender chicken pieces coming together in harmony.
I’m convinced this recipe strikes the perfect balance between authentic flavors and home-cooking practicality.
The marination time is worth every minute, trust me. And don’t skip those ground cashews; they add a richness that elevates this dish from good to extraordinary.
What I love most? You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Isn’t that what home cooking is all about?
