Quick Chicken Tikka Masala for Two

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of India with this Quick Chicken Tikka Masala for Two—perfect for a cozy dinner night without the long preparation time. Tender chicken chunks are marinated in a spiced yogurt blend, then simmered in a luscious tomato-based curry infused with garam masala, turmeric, and a hint of optional cayenne for a customizable kick. This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a hassle-free yet elegant meal. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or romantic dinners, this small-batch chicken tikka masala will bring restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons Plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 cup Canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 servings Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken pieces into bite-sized chunks and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to an hour if you have more time).

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir to incorporate and adjust salt to taste.

Step 8

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and coated in the sauce.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1093.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1768.7

Total Fat 85.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 431.7mg	0%
Sodium 2992.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 119.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 16.0g
Protein 125.6g	0%

Vitamin D 17.9IU	0%
Calcium 340.4mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 2170.1mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 27.2%