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Tender Creamy Chicken Tikka

As seen in: Comfort Food Classics That Feel Like a Warm Hug

You won’t believe you made this at home. Flavor-packed chicken chills in yogurt and spices, then simmers in a creamy curry all in one skillet. Just add naan and fluffy rice to catch that sauce.

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Refreshed on Mon, 19 May 2025 16:45:41 GMT
Big bowl of velvety chicken curry topped with herbs on hot rice. Save it
Big bowl of velvety chicken curry topped with herbs on hot rice. | iamcooker.com

Dreamy Chicken Tikka Masala

You’ve gotta try this awesome way to make Chicken Tikka Masala. Tender chunks of chicken soak up a creamy, super flavorful tomato sauce packed with spices. Feels just like eating out but you whip it up in your own kitchen. Easy to love, all made in one pot, and it’s pure cozy goodness.

Why You'll Love This Dish

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill chicken dinner. Let that yogurt sit with your chicken and it gets crazy soft—almost buttery. And the sauce? Rich and bold but not overwhelming. Perfect for chill weeknights or if you wanna impress someone.

What Goes In

  • Juicy Choice: Grab two pounds chicken thighs—they don’t dry out.
  • Buttery Bonus: Two spoonfuls of butter for smoothness.
  • Velvety Sauce: Pour in half a cup of heavy cream.
  • Aromatic Hit: Fresh grated ginger with minced garlic.
  • Flavor Power: Mix in garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, plus a pinch of Kashmiri chili.
  • Tangy Marinade: Cup of plain yogurt for that tender bite.
  • Zesty Base: Large onion, give it a fine chop.
  • Tomato Depth: One cup tomato puree for sauciness.
  • Finishing Fresh: Big handful of chopped cilantro on top.
  • Crisp Start: Splash of vegetable oil to cook it all up.
White rice covered with chicken in a lush, orange sauce plus leafy cilantro and bright lime slices on the side. Save it
White rice covered with chicken in a lush, orange sauce plus leafy cilantro and bright lime slices on the side. | iamcooker.com

How To Make Masala Magic

Finish It Off
Taste for salt toss in loads of cilantro grab a spoon and dive in while it’s piping hot.
Mix It All Up
Pour in the cream, put the chicken back in, and let it hang out until thick and dreamy.
Saucy Goodness
Grab tomato puree, pour that in, and give it time to get tasty.
Sizzle Away
Heat the pan, cook the chicken until it’s got a gorgeous golden edge, and set aside.
Build Flavor
Melt butter, soften onions, add ginger, garlic, and your spice blend. Let it smell amazing.
Get Set With Marinade
Stir together yogurt, ginger, garlic, and all those spices. Toss your chicken in and chill it for at least an hour.

Tasty Things To Serve With

Pile this up with fluffy hot rice or grab some pillowy naan to mop up the sauce. Feeling fun? Add a tangy tomato salad, crunchy cucumber raita, or roast up a tray of veggies. Wanna mix it up? Paneer, shrimp, or tofu work awesome here too.

Creamy butter chicken on white rice, topped with cilantro leaves—looks super inviting. Save it
Creamy butter chicken on white rice, topped with cilantro leaves—looks super inviting. | iamcooker.com

Common Questions

→ What’s the yogurt for?

Yogurt keeps chicken soft and lets those spices stick to every bite. Just a short soak works wonders for taste and texture.

→ Breast vs. thigh – can I swap?

For sure! Thigh stays juicier, but use breast if you’d like. Just don’t dry it out by cooking it too long.

→ Kashmiri chili – what’s special?

This one’s a gentle chili that brings a nice red color. Any chili powder is fine—just tweak the amount if you want it more or less spicy.

→ Looking to skip some cream?

Try using canned evaporated milk instead. Your sauce won’t be as rich, but still super tasty and a bit lighter.

→ Why brown chicken in batches?

Too much chicken in the pan will steam it, not brown it. Spreading it out makes it taste and feel loads better.

Tender Creamy Chicken Tikka

Skip the takeout, make this dreamy Indian-inspired dish at home. Marinated chicken gets cooked in a velvety, spiced curry. Way too good to share.

Preparation
15 Mins
Cooking Duration
30 Mins
Complete Duration
45 Mins
By: sofia

Type: Soul-Warming

Complexity: Moderate

Origin: Indian

Output: 1 pan

Diet Types: Reduced Carbohydrate, No Gluten

What You'll Need

01 2 teaspoons garam masala.
02 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili.
03 1 tablespoon ginger, finely minced.
04 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, chopped up.
05 28 ounces skinless, boneless chicken thighs.
06 1 cup plain yogurt.
07 2 tablespoons butter.
08 1 teaspoon salt.
09 2 teaspoons turmeric.
10 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
11 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
12 1 teaspoon coriander powder.
13 1 teaspoon red chili powder.
14 1/4 cup water if needed.
15 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
16 14 ounces of smooth tomato puree.
17 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
18 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.
19 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder.
20 1 small onion, finely cut up.
21 1 1/4 cups heavy cream.
22 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala.
23 1 teaspoon turmeric powder.
24 1 tablespoon ginger, grated.
25 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, grated.

Preparation Steps

01 Step

Combine yogurt with chicken and other marinade stuff. Leave it for at least 10 minutes, or let it chill overnight.

02 Step

Use a big pan and heat up the oil. Brown the chicken briefly, about 3 minutes per side. Work in batches and set cooked chicken aside.

03 Step

In the same pan, add butter. Sauté onions for a few minutes. Mix in garlic and ginger, followed by the powdered spices. Cook briefly. Pour in the tomato puree and chili powders. Let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir in cream and sugar, then the cooked chicken. Let everything simmer another 8-10 minutes. Add water if it's too thick.

04 Step

Sprinkle on fresh cilantro. Pair it with some naan and rice before serving.

Additional Tips

  1. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so your chicken browns nicely.
  2. If you want it lighter, switch cream with evaporated milk.
  3. Yogurt helps soften the meat during marination.
  4. Kashmiri chili gives it a lovely red color without too much spiciness.

Required Equipment

  • A large frying pan or deep pot.
  • Bowls for mixing stuff.
  • Grater for garlic and ginger.
  • Measuring tools for spices and ingredients.

Allergen Notice

Review ingredients for possible allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from yogurt, cream, and butter.

Nutritional Information (Each Portion)

Consider these values as estimates rather than definitive health guidance.
  • Energy: 580
  • Fat Content: 41 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein Content: 37 g