Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy chicken tikka masala recipe makes an easy weeknight dinner. This simple chicken tikka masala is made with pantry staples and delivers tons of flavor!

We don’t eat out very often these days. With four young kids, it can be difficult to sit down and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Instead, I make a lot of easy versions of our restaurant favorites – like this easy chicken tikka masala recipe.

I first had chicken tikka masala at a restaurant when I visiting London, and I’ve been hooked ever since!

What is chicken tikka masala?

Chicken tikka masala is traditionally made up of chicken tikka, grilled chunks of chicken, in a spiced tomato masala sauce.

This recipe uses chicken that’s cooked in a skillet for an easier, one pan version.

What to serve with chicken tikka masala

Chicken tikka masala is great served with naan bread or rice. We are especially fond of serving it with garlic naan or over basmati rice.

More takeout copycat dinner recipes!

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Instant Pot Korean Beef
• Skillet Chicken Parmesan

If you’ve tried this easy chicken tikka masala recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes! You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy chicken tikka masala recipe

Author: i heart eating

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: chicken, Indian, weeknight

Servings: 8 servings

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium white or yellow onion diced
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon garam masala spice blend*
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onions to skillet, and cook until starting to come translucent.  and ginger until softened.

3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and spice blend. Let cook 30 seconds, stirring regularly.

4. Add chicken to skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until chicken is cooked through.

5. Stir in tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. 

6. Let simmer 5 minutes, stirring regularly. 

7. Remove from heat, and stir in cream. 

8. Serve topped with fresh cilantro, if desired. 

Recipe Notes

*If you can't find a garam masala blend, use 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. 

**Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition facts per serving (1serving)

Calories: 288kcal

Fat: 17g

Saturated fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 114mg

Sodium: 248mg

Potassium: 626mg

Carbohydrates: 6g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 25g

Vitamin A: 12.1%

Vitamin C: 9.7%

Calcium: 4.6%

Iron: 6.5%