Chicken Tikka Masala

If you've got boneless skinless chicken thighs, plain yogurt and garam masala, you're most of the way to this chicken: about 75 minutes of cooking across 7 steps. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 7 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for grill / broiler and frying pan / skillet. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (8)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
π Unit converter
How to make it
- Cut the chicken into 3 cm chunks and toss with the yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the garam masala, half the ginger and a good pinch of salt; cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers or spread it on a lined tray and grill or broil under high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 74 C / 165 F, then set aside.
- Warm the mustard oil in a wide pan until it just shimmers, then add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in the garlic, remaining ginger and chopped green chiles and fry for 1 minute, then add the cumin, turmeric, paprika and remaining garam masala and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Crush the plum tomatoes by hand and add them with their juice, season with salt, and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens.
- Blend the sauce until smooth if you prefer a silky texture, return it to the pan, then fold in the grilled chicken and any resting juices and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, stir through the single cream and warm without boiling, then taste and adjust the salt and finish with the chopped cilantro before serving with rice or naan.
You'll use: Grill / broiler Β· Frying pan / skillet Β· Pan Β· Saucepan Β· Blender
Tips & common questions
How long does Chicken Tikka Masala take to make?
About 75 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 15 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Chicken Tikka Masala is an original recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Chicken Tikka Masala KellySue.JPG by Kelly Sue, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top β how we source recipes.







