A super quick and simple version of the curry house favourite, my Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for busy weeknights when you really want a curry but without the expense of a takeaway (and it’s healthier too!)
What is your favourite curry? I have loads…asking me to choose would be like asking me to choose my favourite child! Though if you insisted, I’d probably get it narrowed down to either Chicken Jalfrezi, Lamb Rogan Josh, my Easy Vegetable Korma….and of course (along with most of the rest of the UK) Chicken Tikka Masala!
Chicken Tikka Masala is such an Indian restaurant classic! But did you know it was actually first created in 1971 in Glasgow? Well at least so the story goes…. a customer in an Indian Restaurant in Glasgow complains his curry is too dry and sends it back, so the chef creates a quick sauce out of cream, spices and tomato soup and sends it back out. The customer loves it and raves about to all his mates, so the restaurant puts it on the menu and Chicken Tikka Masala becomes a rip-roaring success.
I should point out this story is disputed, with some claiming its origins are actually in the Punjab region in India. Which may well be true, but I like the Glasgow story better – and you can really imagine something like that happening can’t you?
Now, I am not claiming my version of Chicken Tikka Masala is especially authentic (if indeed anyone can claim that about Chicken Tikka Masala – see the composition section on Wikipedia), but it is quick AND easy AND delicious. I’ve also tried to make it a little healthier than your typical Indian Restaurant Chicken Tikka Masala.
Typically, Chicken Tikka Masala in curry restaurants features lots of yogurt, cream, coconut cream and butter (or more likely ghee). My version features none of these. Instead I have chosen to use coconut milk for the creaminess – which also has the added benefit of this Chicken Tikka Masala being dairy free (it’s naturally gluten free too). It also makes this chicken curry super quick and easy to throw together from mostly store cupboard ingredients. But you can swap the coconut milk for yogurt if you prefer (and even add a dash of cream in at the end if you are feeling really decadent!!).
I have also dispensed with the whole business of making the chicken and sauce separately. Whilst undoubtably it would taste more authentic this way, I simply don’t have the time or energy on a busy weeknight to start threading chicken onto skewers and grilling it while making a separate sauce and then putting the two together. My midweek evenings need quick and easy one pot recipes, not a whole load of mess and faff!
So, I simply marinate diced chicken in a mix of spices and coconut milk (you can do this for as long or as short as you have time for), then fry the chicken in the pan for a couple of minute before adding passata and more coconut milk. I finish the curry with an extra teaspoon of garam masala, a handful of almonds (optional), and some fresh coriander. Simples! And the whole thing can be on the table in well under 30 minutes. Quicker than ordering a takeaway where I live!!
This Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala would go perfectly with either plain basmati rice, my Easy Peasy Pilau Rice and/or naan breads. (Tune in next week when I’ll be sharing my recipe for Easy Homemade Naan Bread!!!) And if you are trying to keep the carbs and calories down, why not try my Pilau Cauliflower Rice instead? Low on carbs AND an extra portion of veggies!!
My hubby always maintains that curry goes best with beer and if you agree with him then go for a refreshing Indian beer like Kingfisher, which pairs well with milder curries. Or for a British beer option he recommends Chapeldown Curious Brew. I, on the other hand, much prefer wine and would generally choose an aromatic white wine to go with Chicken Tikka Masala, something like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris or Viognier should work well. If you are a diehard red wine drinker, then go for a soft and fruity Grenache/Garnacha. Rosé wine often works very well with curry too.
If you like this recipe…
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Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 cloves garlic crushed or grated
- 3 cm ginger grated
- 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
- Juice of half a lemon
- 100 ml coconut milk
Chicken Tikka Masala
- 600 g chicken breast diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 red (bell) pepper chopped into bitesize pieces
- 300 ml passata (or whizz a tin of tomatoes in your blender)
- 300 ml coconut milk (you may not need all of this)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons ground almonds (optional – it helps to thicken, leave out if you prefer a saucier curry)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander (cilantro) chopped – plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, add the diced chicken and stir to coat thoroughly. Marinate for 10 minutes if that’s all you’ve got or up to 24 hours if you have the time. (If marinating for more than 10 minutes cover and return to the fridge)
- Place the oil, onions and red pepper in a large, wide saucepan or large frying pan and cook gently with the lid on for 5 minutes or until softened. Turn the heat up and add the chicken. Fry for 3-5 minutes until brown. Add the passata and half the remaining coconut milk and bring to the boil.
- Turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the remaining garam masala, ground almonds (optional) and fresh coriander (cilantro) and stir to combine. Add the remaining coconut milk if you feel the curry is too thick.
- Serve with rice and/or naan bread.
Notes
Want more delicious chicken recipes? Find more here…
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Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook says
Why I am looking at your photos while I am at work and didn’t have my lunch yet?? 🙁 This looks so good, Eb – I might lick my screen! Haha
Thanks for sharing! x
Eb Gargano says
Hahahaha – I have that same problem so often – occupational hazard!! And do lick away….I am hoping that one day the technology will exist so we can just print out the food we like (not the recipe, the actual food!!) – they’ve already invented 3D printers, so it can’t be long, surely???? Eb x
Mandy says
My husband made chicken tikka masala as part of our Christmas day curry spread that we had last year – I’ll send him your recipe to try next time!
Eb Gargano says
Oooh I’d love to know how mine compares to Mr M’s – let me know what he thinks!! Eb x
Monika Dabrowski says
Sounds lovely Eb, and of course the fact it’s so quick and easy makes it even more appealing!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Monika! Quick and easy always makes food more appealing to me – but only if it tastes good too!!! Eb x
Donna says
Looks gorgeous as always! This is one of those things that I always know the kids will eat which is a bonus for any dish! #CookBlogShare
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Donna! THAT is always a bonus. I am fortunate as my kids are quite unfussy (as kids go – hahahaha), and put up surprisingly well with mummy’s crazy experiments – but I find it a good acid test for my recipes. Do the kids like it? (And the hubby??) If it passes their super honest taste test (never known my kids hold back from telling it to me straight if they don;t like my food, Mr G is slightly more polite!) I know it’s blog-worthy!! Eb x
Jessica Cantoni says
You’re right, who has time to grill chicken and then cook it in a curry? Not me! Chicken tikka masala is one of my absolute faves. I think I might have to try your version at some point soon. It’s giving me serious hunger pangs right now. Hurry up dinner time! Thanks for sharing to my world food linky 🙂 x
Eb Gargano says
Quite! It’s one of my ‘things’ – going through recipes and taking out the unnecessary steps and ingredients. It’s amazing how much you can strip out and still have a great tasting meal…ok maybe not super authentic (!), but fast, easy and tasty – which is what I mainly care about…especially on a busy weeknight, with hungry kids!! Eb x
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
Chicken Tikka Masala us my favourite. Yours looks so delicious and you are making me wish I had curry for dinner!x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Cat – its a big favourite of mine (along with about 20 other curries…I just LOVE curry!!) Eb x
Corina Blum says
It sounds absolutely delicious and it’s definitely another of your recipes that is right up my street! I haven’t even had breakfast yet but I am now craving a curry for dinner. Thanks so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Corina! We have such similar tastes, don’t we? Hahaha – I know I’ve done well if I’ve got someone craving curry before breakfast!! Eb x
jenny walters says
This looks so good Eb.As my children get older they are getting more adventurous.This looks perfect to try for a mid week tea.Pinned!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Jenny – this one went down a storm with my kids. It’s pleasantly spicy, but not too hot – so definitely kid friendly (but adult friendly too)…and perfect for a midweek tea!! (Or dinner as I would say being a southerner!!) Eb x
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
Tikka masala is one of my all time faves, but it’s rather defeating to make the authentic dish at home. Your version is so flavorful—and my lot do not care whether it’s authentic or not, as long as it tastes good. What a gorgeous dish! #cookblogshare
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Michelle! Yes I’ll take ‘easy and tastes good’ over ‘authentic but complicated and time consuming’ any day!! Eb x
Vicki Montague says
Oh my word Eb! This looks epic. I adore your recipes…so tasty and simple!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks sweetie 🙂 Tasty and simple is what I’m always aiming for!! Eb x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
Oooh I love a good homemade curry and this one ticks all the boxes! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks sweetie Xx
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
The thought that Tikka Masala was created in Glasgow puts me right off. I am definitely one for authentic flavours…… Call me a culinary snob, but I’m sticking with the Punjab story!
Your CTM sounds delicious either way, although I am very relieved to see your recipe does not contain a tin of tomato soup…… xx
Eb Gargano says
Hahaha – I actually really like the Glasgow story! But then I am a huge fan of fusion cuisine, and have a very soft spot for anything Scottish due to family connections. I’m glad you still like my version despite not being very authentic – and no, definitely no tomato soup here!! Eb x
Lathiya says
Just seeing this tikka masala makes me drooling..awesome combo with those naans
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Lathiya! Yes – the naans are fab with this!! Eb x
dannie says
thanks for sharing this great recipe,I have always wanted to know how to prepare chicken tikka masala am glad I have found one.
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Dannie – so pleased you like it! Eb 🙂
Amanda says
Made this tonight along with your naan breads and pilau rice. All very simple to do and tasted delicous. Family very impressed ?
Eb Gargano says
Yay! So pleased it worked out well. Thanks for letting me know 😀
Julius says
Wow so appealing and easy ingredients used like it
Eb Gargano says
Yay! I am happy to hear that 😀
Natasha Mohanty says
I made this tonight, and it was incredible. Thanks for the recipe!
Eb Gargano says
Aw yay – I am so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for this lovely review and… and especially the 5* rating! 😀
Litsa says
Tried your chicken tikka masala recipe it was easy to make and tasted delicious
Thank you for sharing
Eb Gargano says
Aw, yay – I am so happy to hear that 😀
Miriam says
Please could you recommend some savoury recipes that do not include spices.
Eb Gargano says
Hi Miriam, I have lots of recipes on my website that do not include spices. Here are a few of my favourites…
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/sausage-and-tomato-pasta/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/easy-pork-mince-bolognese/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/easy-cheese-and-tomato-pizza/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/turkey-mince-fried-rice/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/creamy-chicken-tagliatelle/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/super-simple-creamy-tuna-pasta-bake/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/traditional-beef-stew-and-suet-dumplings/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/easy-chicken-breast-traybake/ (Just leave the smoked paprika off)
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/easy-bacon-macaroni-cheese/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/bacon-and-egg-fried-rice/
https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/easy-peasy-lamb-stew/
You can browse all my recipes here https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/category/recipes/ (it’s usually fairly obvious which recipes are likely to contain spices)
Hope that helps!
Eb 🙂