Go Back
–+ servings
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe 1
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

You can make this homemade chicken tikka masala in an Instant Pot and on the stovetop. Both methods are super easy and will make the best chicken tikka masala.
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Indian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 334kcal
Author Mihaela

Ingredients

  • 2 lb (900g) chicken skinless, boneless breast or thighs
  • 1 white onion finely diced
  • 1 Tbsp grated ginger (use the microplane)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1/2 Tbsp paprika
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 Tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 mg) tomato sauce
  • 2 green chilis chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
  • a handful of fresh coriander to garnish

Serve with: cooked brown rice

Instructions

THE INSTANT POT METHOD

  • Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot.
  • Once heated, add olive oil and onions, then sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they soften.
  • Stir in the chicken with ginger, garlic and spices. 
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the broth, tomato sauce, chilis and mix them well.
  • Put the lid on, secure it, and SEAL the vent.
  • Press the MANUAL (older models) or PRESSURE COOK (newer models) button and set on HIGH for 10 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time has ended, manually release the pressure by switching from seal to VENT.
  • After releasing the pressure, carefully remove the lid.
  • Stir in plain yogurt.
  • Serve with rice and garnish with chopped coriander and lime wedges.

THE STOVETOP METHOD:

  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they soften.
  • Add in the chicken with ginger, garlic, and spices. 
  • Cook for 5-6 minutes, constantly stirring, until golden brown but not entirely cooked.
  • Add in the broth, tomato sauce, chili and mix them well. Lower the heat, place the lid on and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are blended.
  • Serve with rice and garnish with chopped coriander and lime wedges.

Video

Notes

Please read the Tips & Tricks in the article before making this easy chicken tikka masala recipe. Below is just a summary:
  1. You can use skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs, or replace the chicken with turkey. Just remember to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste, and if time allows, marinate the chicken before cooking it. See how at Section #2.
  3. The best side dish for homemade chicken tikka masala is cooked brown rice but you can also serve it with salads and veggies (Section #3).
  4. This chicken tikka masala recipe is perfect for meal planning. You can refrigerate it in ovenproof glass containers for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1440mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 3mg