Classic Chicken Tikka Masala
Classic Chicken Tikka Masala
Tender, charred-edged chicken in a silky tomato sauce makes this curry-house favourite feel wonderfully achievable at home.
⏱️ Prep, Cook & Serve
Prep: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating | Cook: 35 minutes | Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 150g natural yoghurt
- 2½ tbsp Tikka Masala spice blend, divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 20g fresh ginger, grated
- 400g passata
- 150ml double cream or coconut milk
- 100ml chicken stock
- Fresh coriander, rice and naan, to serve
🔪 Method
- Mix the chicken with the yoghurt, lemon juice and 1½ tbsp spice blend. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the grill to high. Thread the chicken onto skewers or spread over a lined tray, then grill for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Soften the onion for 8 minutes, then add the garlic, ginger and remaining spice blend for 1 minute.
- Stir in the passata and stock. Simmer gently for 12 minutes.
- Add the cream and cooked chicken, then simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with coriander, rice and naan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Add cucumber raita for a cooling contrast.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
💛 Why It Works
The yoghurt keeps the chicken tender while grilling builds smoky edges; the same blend seasons both the meat and sauce for rounded flavour.
🍳 Cook’s Tip
Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but chicken breast also works—reduce the grilling time slightly.
🛒 Get the Blend
Make this recipe with our Tikka Masala.
📖 More Tikka Masala Recipes
- Tikka Paneer & Pepper Skewers
- Tikka-Spiced Salmon Traybake
- Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Tikka Bowls
- Tikka Chicken Naan Pizzas
- Creamy Tikka Prawn Curry
- Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala
- Tikka Masala Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Traybake
- Tikka Masala Prawn & Coconut Curry
- Tikka Masala Paneer & Pepper Skewers
- One-Pot Tikka Masala Chicken & Rice
- Tikka Masala Loaded Naan Flatbreads
Browse our Recipe Page for more cooking inspiration.
💬 Stay Connected
Follow Spice & Dipity on Facebook for new recipes, serving ideas and everyday spice inspiration.