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    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Last Updated On: Apr 8, 2025 by Aarthi

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    Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular and loved curry dish around the world. Chicken tikka masala is spicy, buttery, creamy and smoky delicious gravy which can be made easily at home. In this recipe I have shared detailed recipe for making chicken tikka and restaurant style tikka masala gravy at home. Serve it with jeera rice, ghee rice, naan, roti, chapati, garlic naan or with plain steamed basmati rice. Learn how to make this restaurant style chicken tikka masala with step by step pictures and video.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken Tikka masala is a popular gravy in which Chicken Tikka is cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. And my favourite is this one. The one thing in this recipe is, it is a two step recipe. First you have to make chicken tikka and then add that in this spicy tangy sauce. The main flavouring in this dish is butter. Since everything is done in butter it tasted awesome. I served this dish with Malabar Ghee Rice it tasted awesome.

    Table of Contents

    • About Chicken Tikka Masala
    • Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients
    • Chicken Tikka Masala (Indian vs British)
    • Chicken Tikka Masala vs Butter Chicken
    • Making Chicken Tikka
    • How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala (Stepwise Pictures)
    • Expert Tips
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • Chicken Tikka Masala | Indian Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    About Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken Tikka masala is one of the most popular dish around the world. It is also known as tikka masala, chicken tikka gravy. This dish is equally popular like butter chicken but it is slightly spicier than that.

    Chicken tikka masala is a classic chicken curry with tender juicy pieces of char-grilled chicken tikka simmered in slightly spicy tomato gravy known as tikka masala gravy. The dish consist of two components, chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala. It is two step process which is so worth it. Serve it with jeera rice, ghee rice, naan, roti, chapati, garlic naan or with plain steamed basmati rice.

    Chicken tikka is made with boneless chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, ginger, garlic. Marinated chicken pieces are usually cooked in tandoor or oven till charred and cooked. Chicken tikka masala has an onion tomato gravy base simmered with spices in butter to create silky smooth sauce.

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    Chicken Tikka Masala served with ghee rice

    Chicken Tikka and tikka masala originated in Northern part of India. Marinated chicken pieces is cooked in tandoor and served as an Appetizer with green chutney. Cooked chicken tikka pieces is simmered in tomato base gravy to make chicken tikka masala.

    Chicken tikka masala is equally popular in British | England. It is one of the most popular chicken curry dish ordered in and around England. It is said that chefs from India popularised this curry in Britain restaurants. Chicken tikka masala is considered to be National dish of Britain.

    Curry became more popular in Britain considering the large amount of Indian immigrants. The word Curry has become an integral part of British cuisine. But the process of making curries differ. British curries are usually thicker, creamier and sweeter than their Indian curries. Some of the most popular curries are this chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, chana masala and palak chicken.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients

    ingredients for chicken tikka masala

    Chicken Tikka - boneless chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, ginger, garlic. Marinated chicken pieces are usually cooked in tandoor or oven till charred and cooked.

    Onion - use finely chopped onions for making the gravy. Cook the onions till golden brown which adds a sweet taste to the gravy.

    Tomato - I used tomato puree for making the gravy which gives a creamy sweet texture to the tikka masala.

    Ginger & Garlic - you can use minced ginger, garlic in the curry which provides the aroma.

    Spice Powders - Kashmiri chilli powder, garam masala powder is used in the gravy. But you can use other spices like cumin powder, coriander and turmeric.

    Butter - butter makes your dish better. Chicken tikka masala gets the buttery flavour from the modest amount of butter used.

    Cream - use fresh cream in the end to provide the creamy texture to the gravy. Don't let the gravy boil once cream is added.

    Chicken Tikka Masala (Indian vs British)

    cooked chicken tikka

    Even though chicken tikka is an Indian dish, it is considered very popular in Britain. Curry has become an integral part of British cuisine. But the process of making curries differ. Here are the main difference between Indian chicken tikka masala vs British chicken tikka masala.

    Indian chicken tikka masala is made with tikka cooked in tandoor simmered in fresh tomato butter cream sauce made with fresh tomatoes. The curry is later finished with a small amount of cream to give the richness. Unlike butter chicken, this tikka masala tends to be on the spicier side.

    British curries are usually thicker, creamier and sweeter than their Indian curries. Chicken tikka masala made in Britain often made with canned tomatoes, canned tomato puree or passata. Since canned tomatoes are acidic in nature, British curries often consists more sugar and cream to balance the taste.

    Chicken Tikka Masala vs Butter Chicken

    close look of Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Even though chicken tikka masala and butter chicken uses the same ingredients. The main difference between these two popular curries is the taste and texture.

    Tikka masala tends to be on the spicier side while butter chicken tenders to be sweeter with more sugar added. Butter chicken is made with bone-in tandoori chicken while tikka masala uses boneless chicken.

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    Making Chicken Tikka

    Chicken Tikka, pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt, spices and cooked till tender and juicy in oven, tandoor or tawa. Chicken tikka is one of the most popular and loved chicken dish all over the world. It can be made wide by variety of methods and every time it taste amazingly juicy, any leftover chicken tikka can be made into this delicious chicken tikka masala.

    You can refer this detailed Chicken Tikka recipe with step by step pictures.

    Chicken Tikka Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 500 grams Boneless Chicken Thighs (cut in cubes)
    • ½ cup Curd | Yogurt
    • 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
    • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
    • 1 tbsp Kashmiri Chilli powder
    • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
    • 2 tsp Cumin Powder
    • 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
    • 2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
    • Salt to taste

    How to Make Chicken Tikka

    Marinate the chicken with the given ingredients. Allow the chicken to marinate for minimum 2 hours or overnight.

    Chicken Tikka in oven

    Preheat oven to grill mode to 250 degree C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Place a rack on top. Place the chicken over the rack. Place the chicken in oven and cook for 12 to 15 mins.
Flip over in between and brush with oil if needed.

    Air fryer Chicken Tikka

    Arrange the chicken in a tray, place the chicken in the air fryer or oven. Bake at 220 degree C for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure you flip them in between, brush with butter or ghee and serve.

    Stove Top Chicken Tikka

    This is method of making chicken tikka on stove top in a grill pan. Skewer the marinated chicken in a skewer. Place it in a grill pan, you can cook in regular tawa as well. Cook on medium high heat for 5 minutes on each side, flip over carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure you brush top with some butter or oil

    how to cook chicken tikka

    How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala (Stepwise Pictures)

    Sauteing Onions

    1)Heat oil or butter in a kadai. I used butter, you can use oil instead.

    heat butter in a pan

    2)Add in ginger garlic paste and saute for 2 minutes on low heat till aromatic.

    add ginger and garlic for making Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    3)Add in finely chopped onions. You can use sliced onions instead of chopped onions.

    add onions for making Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    4)Sprinkle salt over the onions so the onions gets golden brown.

    add salt for making Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Making Chicken Tikka Masala Base

    5)Once the onions gets golden brown in colour. You can start adding spice powders. I am using kashmiri chilli powder for the bright red colour.

    add in kashmiri chilli powder

    6)Add in garam masala power. Mix that into the curry.

    add in garam masala powder

    7)Add in tomato puree. This is fresh tomatoes pureed till smooth.

    pour in tomato puree

    8)Mix the tomatoes into the curry and cook them on medium low heat till raw smell leaves. Now you will see a small layer of butter separating from the curry.

    cook till tomatoes is cooked

    Mixing in Chicken Tikka

    9)Add in cooked chicken tikka pieces.

    add in chicken tikka

    10)Mix chicken tikka with the tomato gravy. Add extra hot water to form the gravy. Mix well.

    simmer Chicken Tikka Masala

    11)Cover and simmer on low for 5 minutes.

    cover and simmer

    Finishing Chicken Tikka Masala

    12)Add in cream into the curry to finish the gravy.

    add cream and mix well

    13)Chicken tikka masala ready.

    chicken tikka masala cooked

    14)Add in coriander leaves and mix well.

    add coriander leaves

    15)Mix well. Chicken tikka masala is ready to serve.

    chicken tikka masala ready in kdai

    16)Enjoy with rice.

    chicken tikka masala with rice

    Expert Tips

    • I made a basic gravy for chicken tikka. You can add whole spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves. 
    • A small pinch of kasuri methi leaves can be added in the end for taste.
    • Instead of cream, you can add milk for creamy texture. 
    • You can pan fry chicken in a pan, instead of cooking in oven.

    Serving

    Serve it with jeera rice, ghee rice, naan, roti, chapati, garlic naan or with plain steamed basmati rice.

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    📖 Recipe Card

    Chicken Tikka Masala | Indian Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular and loved curry dish around the world. Chicken tikka masala is spicy, buttery, creamy and smoky delicious gravy which can be made easily at home. In this recipe I have shared detailed recipe for making chicken tikka and restaurant style tikka masala gravy at home. Serve it with jeera rice, ghee rice, naan, roti, chapati, garlic naan or with plain steamed basmati rice. Learn how to make this restaurant style chicken tikka masala with step by step pictures and video.
    4.64 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 287kcal

    Equipment

    • Cooking pot
    • OTG or Oven
    • Blender

    Ingredients

    For Chicken Tikka

    • 500 grams Boneless Chicken Thighs
    • ½ cup Curd | Yogurt
    • 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
    • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
    • 1 tbsp Kashmiri Chilli powder
    • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
    • 2 tsp Cumin Powder
    • 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
    • 2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
    • Salt to taste

    For Chicken Tikka Masala

    • 1 large Onion chopped finely
    • 4 large Tomato pureed
    • 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
    • 1 tsp Garam masala powder
    • 1 tsp Roasted Cumin powder
    • 2 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli powder
    • ¼ cup Cream
    • Salt to taste
    • 4 tbsp Butter or Oil
    • 3 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped finely

    Instructions

    How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

    • Take chicken in a bowl, add spice powders, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, salt and ginger garlic paste. Mix well and Marinate for 2 hours. Preheat oven to grill mode to 250 degree C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Place the chicken and cook the chicken in oven for 12 to 15 mins. Flip over in between and brush with oil if needed. Remove from oven, sprinkle top with ghee or butter, sprinkle with chaat masala powder. Serve hot or use in chicken tikka masala.
    • Heat butter in a kadai. Add in ginger garlic paste, onions and salt. Cook this till golden brown. Add in Red chilli powder, cumin powder if using and garam masala powder and mix well. Pour in tomato puree and cook till oil separates from this.
    • Add in chicken tikka pieces and pour in some water. Cover this and simmer for 10-15 mins until all flavour gets together.
    • Now add in cream and mix well. Garnish with coriander leaves and mix well. Serve with rice or roti.

    Notes

    • I made a basic gravy for chicken tikka. You can add whole spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves. 
    • A small pinch of kasuri methi leaves can be added in the end for taste.
    • Instead of cream, you can add milk for creamy texture. 
    • You can pan fry chicken in a pan, instead of cooking in oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servings | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2455IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yummytummyaarthi or tag #yummytummyaarthi!
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    Aarthi

    About Aarthi

    Over the past few years I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chitra

      at

      mouthwatering here...so delicious and tempting chicken tikka masala

      Reply
    2. Care's Kitchen

      at

      What a BEAUTIFUL red color! This I know is delicious!

      We're having Chicken Curry tonight but I'm cheating and using a jarred Indian curry sauce I picked up at Whole Foods....no time for homemade tonight. I also have some curry naan from Trader Joe's and basmati rice - I'm excited!

      I wish I could have eaten this with you though!!! Love your food!

      Reply
    3. Priyanka

      at

      Have always loved ur recipes...
      And this is another awesome creation...love the rich color, a super tempting dish.

      Reply
    4. Pretend Chef

      at

      Sounds like a perfect meal. Yummy!

      Reply
    5. Nitha

      at

      Perfectly made chicken tikka..

      Reply
    6. Mélange

      at

      Oh no,am drooling over your lunch.What a colorful and rich tikka masala dear..Love to come over for lunch once !

      Reply
    7. schmetterlingwords

      at

      Chicken Tikka Masala looks very inviting. Just like served in restaurants. 🙂

      Reply
    8. soujanya

      at

      Looks absolute perfect n delicious....
      ur lunch perfectly full....:)
      first visit here...loved ur space...glad 2 found you..

      Reply
    9. Dzoli

      at

      My old favourite:)) Always ask for thatone when I am atmy friends mum reastaurant:))

      Reply
    10. Cooking Creation

      at

      I've had this dish on a to-make list and I think I may just try it for the first time using your recipe! It looks so good!

      Reply
    11. laurie

      at

      I could eat the whole pot!

      Reply
    12. Aarthi

      at

      Chitra, Pretend chef.Nitha,Krita kitchen ……..Thanks for your lovely comment

      Care's Kitchen Thanks for your lovely comment…Your dinner sounds great...You should surely come and join me for my next meal…

      Priyanka Thankyou so much dear

      Melange…Thankyou for your comment dear…I would love to join you in my lunch...

      schmetterlingwords thankyou so much dear..

      Soujanya I am really happy that you found my place…Keep checking for more recipes…

      Dzoli..Oh really…I am really happy that I posted ur favorite recipe…

      Cooking creation…I am thinking that you should try it soon…

      Laurie…of course you could eat it dear…But I had to share with my two sisters…He he ...

      Reply
    13. Rekha shoban

      at

      wow!!tempting n delicious chicken....nicely explained steps....beautiful click!

      Reply
    14. Yuvana's Favourites

      at

      looking colorful and yummy. by the way the pot that holds tomato puree is simply beautiful.

      Reply
    15. Suhaina

      at

      very well explained dear...looks just like the restaurant bought ones...u are a super cook I must say.

      Reply
    16. Priya

      at

      Woww both ghee rice and chicken tikka masala tempts me a lot..

      Reply
    17. Mari

      at

      Nice color, great spices, it must be delicious!

      Reply
    18. Bharathy

      at

      Now here's it! i am running a fever of 103 deg and craving for that lunch i see..:(

      Reply
    19. B

      at

      Ohhhh my goodness! I've been searching for this recipe forever! Thank you thank you thank you for posting this... and thank you for following me on Twitter so that I could find your blog and this recipe! 🙂 It's my favorite, so happy to try this at home now!

      Reply
    20. Anonymous

      at

      Is it ok if I dont add milk, because I dont want my chicken tikka to be sweet. I like it spicy.

      Reply
    21. Anonymous

      at

      Is it ok if I dont add milk. I like the chicken tikka spicy not sweet.

      Reply
    22. Aarthi

      at

      @Anonymous Yes you could do it, but milk or cream gives you lovely creaminess to this dish

      Reply
    23. ytuy gfuyfgu

      at

      Oh my god!! I just made this and let me tell you...this is the best chicken tikka masala I have ever had. This is one of my favourites from the local indian restaurant, but now I can make it at home. Thank you xx

      Reply
    24. Rajesh Kumar

      at

      Love your recipes..thanks for them.
      Chowringhee Pritam Pura

      Reply
    25. Farhan Mulla

      at

      It's great recipe here iam hotelier student I wanna became chef frm here I can learn more about food thanks yummy tummy for great recipe u put down here

      Reply
    26. Farhan Mulla

      at

      Hey iam farhan here and iam hotelier student I wanna also good chef in future from this website I have learned soo much thank you yummy tummy keep posting new we are waiting for next recpie

      Reply
    27. Farhan Mulla

      at

      Hey iam farhan here and iam hotelier student I wanna also good chef in future from this website I have learned soo much thank you yummy tummy keep posting new we are waiting for next recpie

      Reply
    28. Lucky Sign

      at

      Nice recipe in vietnam and this place is also best for spent time thanks for the blog. Restaurant near venkateshwar college

      Reply
    29. Unknown

      at

      hiya there thank you very much for posting this.could you pls tell me what is tomato-3 pureed ? how much is in gram

      Reply
    30. Tanisha Singh

      at

      this was a such very nice blog and providing to much information on this blog.chowringhee satya niketan

      Reply
    31. Sherry

      at

      Came out awesome 🥰thx love 🙏🏽
      How many cups h2o need to add though?
      Thanks🥰🥰

      Reply
    32. Sherry

      at

      1 more quest🥰
      Which brand jeerakasala samba rice u use?
      Thanks..

      Reply
    4.64 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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