Chicken Tikka Masala

The beloved Indian-inspired dish with tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce. Warming, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• •2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• •1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• •1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• •1 onion, diced
• •3 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 teaspoon grated ginger
• •2 teaspoons garam masala
• •1 teaspoon cumin
• •1 teaspoon turmeric
• •1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• •Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with half the garam masala, salt, and a pinch of turmeric. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. 2. In the same pan, add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. 3. Add all remaining spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder) and stir for 30 seconds.
4. 4. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir well and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5. Return chicken to the pan. Stir in cream or coconut milk and simmer on low heat for 5 more minutes.
6. 6. Season to taste and serve over basmati rice with naan bread.