Cheeky Chicken Tikka Masala

Dive into the bold, aromatic flavors of Cheeky Chicken Tikka Masala, a comforting classic with a playful twist! This recipe pairs tender, yogurt-marinated chicken infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, with a luxuriously creamy tomato-based sauce. The combination of searing the chicken to smoky perfection and simmering it in a luscious cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option) creates an irresistible depth of flavor. Whether served with fluffy steamed rice or pillowy naan bread, this 50-minute dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy dinner party, this recipe balances convenience with mouthwatering authenticity, making it a must-try for fans of Indian-inspired cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces (about 500g) Chicken breasts
• 150 g Plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 2 tsp Ground cumin
• 2 tsp Ground coriander
• 2.5 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 large piece Onion (finely chopped)
• 400 g Canned tomato purée
• 150 ml Heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter alternative)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• 0 (optional, for serving) Steamed rice or naan bread

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and place them in a medium bowl.

Step 2

In the bowl, add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine and coat the chicken evenly.

Step 3

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan set over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until slightly charred on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, but do not fully cook. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pan, heat the butter and remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and 1.5 teaspoons of garam masala. Stir to toast the spices for 30 seconds.

Step 7

Pour in the canned tomato purée and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) until the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 9

Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce, along with any juices from the plate. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top as a garnish.

Step 11

Serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2160.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3239.3

Total Fat 146.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.6g
Cholesterol 1072.1mg	0%
Sodium 3414.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 35.4g
Protein 342.9g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 676.0mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 2824.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.0%

Protein: 42.7%

Carbs: 16.3%