# Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/chicken-tikka-masala
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: chicken tikka masala recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for chicken tikka masala, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
## Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 4 tsp. finely grated peeled ginger
- 4 tsp. ground turmeric
- 2 tsp. garam masala
- 2 tsp. ground coriander
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1½ cups whole-milk yogurt (not Greek)
- 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
- 2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 3 Tbsp. ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 6 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 dried chiles de árbol or ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, like San Marzano
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
- Steamed basmati rice (for serving)
## Method
1. Step 1: Combine garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and cumin in a small bowl. Whisk yogurt, salt, and half of spice mixture in a medium bowl; add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and chill 4-6 hours. Cover and chill remaining spice mixture.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
2. Step 2: Heat ghee in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, tomato paste, cardamom, and chiles and cook, stirring often, until tomato paste has darkened and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add remaining half of spice mixture and cook, stirring often, until bottom of pot begins to brown, about 4 minutes.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
3. Step 3: Add tomatoes with juices, crushing them with your hands as you add them. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often and scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot, until sauce thickens, 8-10 minutes.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
4. Step 4: Add cream and chopped cilantro. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 30-40 minutes.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-4.webp
   Image description: Step 4: Step 4 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack inside sheet. Arrange chicken on rack in a single layer. Broil until chicken starts to blacken in spots (it will not be cooked through), about 10 minutes.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-5.webp
   Image description: Step 5: Step 5 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
6. Step 6: Cut chicken into bite-size pieces, add to sauce, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Serve with rice and cilantro sprigs. Do Ahead: Chicken can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill. Reheat before serving.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/chicken-tikka-masala-step-6.webp
   Image description: Step 6: Step 6 for Chicken Tikka Masala.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner builds on the history of from jungle fowl to the world's most eaten meat, linking the dish to chicken’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/chicken-tikka-masala/chicken-tikka-masala-og.webp
- Description: Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/chicken-tikka-masala