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Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h 15 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Cuisine: Asia, Indian
Ingredients: 1 can (29 ounces) tomato puree; 1-1/2 cups plain yogurt; 1/2 large onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 2-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes; 1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; Hot cooked basmati rice; Chopped fresh cilantro, optional

15 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 4-1/4 hours

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022

This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 can (29 ounces) tomato puree
1-1/2 cups plain yogurt
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon garam masala
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes
1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Hot cooked basmati rice
Chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 13 ingredients. Add chicken, jalapeno and bay leaf. Cook, covered, on low 4 hours or until chicken is tender. Remove jalapeno and bay leaf.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cream until smooth; gradually stir into sauce. Cook, covered, on high 15-20 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Serve with rice. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro.

Tikka Masala Tips

How spicy is tikka masala?

This chicken tikka masala recipe gets a little bit of heat from the jalapeno pepper and cayenne, but it isn’t overly spicy. In general, tikka masala can range in spiciness depending on how much of these ingredients you use and what your preference is. Serving tikka masala with naan bread and rice is a great way to balance out any heat.

What country does tikka masala come from?

Tikka masala originates from India. There's no standard tikka masala recipe—it varies from family to family. Traditionally, the chicken is marinated in the yogurt and spice mixture and cooked in a tandoori oven. (Here are other Indian cooking tools that may come in handy.)

What is garam masala?

Garam masala is a blend of fragrant spices including coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon. This balanced spice mix, as well as the other seasonings in this recipe, give this chicken tikka masala a great flavor.

Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Peppers (Hot)

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups chicken mixture (calculated without rice): 381 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.