Chicken tikka masala is a staple of Indian cuisine. Its deep orange color, creamy consistency, and bold flavors make it an irresistible option for takeout night. But what if you could recreate this magic in your own home? Good news: you can! Read on for our stovetop chicken tikka masala recipe plus tips on how to customize it to your tastes.
Add yogurt, 6 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of ginger, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a large bowl. Stir until combined, and then add the chicken thighs. Cover the bowl and allow the thighs to marinate for 15 minutes. (Note: Do not marinate in a metal container, since the acidic mixture can react with the metal. Marinate in a resealable plastic container or a glass container only.)
In the Dutch oven or skillet, heat the oil on medium-high heat until it is sizzling. Add the chicken to the pan and cook it until it is browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. You may have to cook in batches to not crowd the pan. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Next, melt the butter in the same Dutch oven or skillet. Cook the onions until they are translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and the remaining salt and cook for roughly 10-15 minutes while stirring often.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream and mix until well combined. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for another 10 minutes or so.
Serve over white or basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy immediately.
If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to loosen.
For tips on making rice, check out our guide here.
Read about Dutch ovens and cast iron skillets on our site.
Now that we have mastered the classic chicken tikka masala, let's discuss how to adjust it to suit your tastes.
It's great to have a main dish covered, but to make a more complete meal, check out our suggestions for what to pair with chicken tikka masala.
This recipe is a great addition to any home cook's repertoire!