One-Pan Chicken Tikka Masala

Need a quick meal for a busy weeknight dinner? This better-than-takeout chicken tikka masala recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare. It's made from scratch in one pan and is guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family.

Creamy, fragrant, and a little spicy, this Indian-style one pan chicken tikka masala will surely awaken your taste buds! No jarred tikka masala sauce and no marinating the chicken required. 🙌

If you are just starting to explore Indian cuisine or looking to add a new recipe to your weekly menu, this recipe of tikka masala is one to keep. We often rotate this dish with Indian Garlic Chicken.

What is tikka masala?

Tikka means small pieces or chunks of meat, while masala is the spice blend typically used in Indian dishes.

Chicken tikka origin

If you think tikka masala is solely an Indian dish, think again! Although you can find it in any Indian restaurant, England considers this chicken curry its national dish.

Rumor has it that even its origins are British, concocted by Indian migrants in the 1950s.

🛒 Ingredients

PROTEIN: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs - the most flavorful part of the chicken. You could use chicken breast if that's what you prefer.

VEGETABLES: Onion and garlic.

AROMATICS: Tomato sauce and tomato paste.

LIQUID: Chicken stock.

FAT: Oil - vegetable or canola oil.

SEASONINGS: Salt and pepper.

SPICES: Ginger, garam masala, chili, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

HERBS: Cilantro (optional).

DAIRY: Heavy cream.

🔪How to make a chicken tikka (with photos)

We took some shortcuts to the authentic chicken tikka masala to keep this recipe simple, quick, and easy to make at home. See our video in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Season cubed chicken thighs with salt, pepper, turmeric, and ginger.

Step 2: Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the chicken, onion, and sauté until the chicken is no longer pink.

Step 3: Add garlic, spices and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce and chicken stock and let simmer.

Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream; simmer until the chicken tikka masala sauce thickens.

👩‍🍳 Best Tips for Easy Masala Recipe

• For the Best Char: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet (*see FAQ section below) over high heat. The chicken won't be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking in the tikka masala sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
• Sear the Chicken in Batches: If your pan is small or you're doubling the recipe, sear in two or three batches to prevent overcrowding and simmering in pan juices.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the dish to simmer on low heat after combining the chicken and sauce. This slow-cooking method helps meld the flavors together and keeps the chicken tender.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh cilantro or mint right before serving for a burst of freshness.

🧽Tips on how to remove masala stains

Masala sauce contains turmeric. Cleaning turmeric stains is tricky because it's a strong natural dye. I advise you to use an old wooden spoon to stir the dish. Here’s how to remove stains from various surfaces:

Countertops and Hard Surfaces:

• Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Wipe the area with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
• For tough stains, you can use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Apply it carefully and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Clothing and Skin:

• If the stain is fresh, rinse the fabric under cold water to remove as much sauce as possible.
• Soak the stained area in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes.
• Rub lemon juice on the stained skin area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water, or use the baking soda and water paste.

Plastic Containers:

• Mix dish soap and baking soda into a paste, scrub the stain, and rinse with water.
• Place the container in direct sunlight, which can help lighten the stain over time.
• Best to use stain-resistant storage containers for your leftovers.

👉 Variations

• Spicy Chicken Tikka: To increase the heat level to your preference, add extra chili powder, fresh chilies, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Yogurt Marinade Tikka Masala: Use a yogurt-based marinade with spices for the chicken to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor before cooking. (if you have the time and sunshine where you live). 😊
• Grilled Tikka Masala: Marinate the chicken and grill it before adding it to the sauce. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
• Vegetarian Tikka Masala: For a hearty vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and bell peppers. Peas also go well with curry.
• Slow Cooker Tikka Masala: Prepare the marinade and sauce, then cook everything in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on "low." This method intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken. Add cream and cook on "high" for 30 minutes uncovered.
• Instant Pot Tikka Masala: If using the pressure cooker, use the sauté function for your chicken and onions, add all other ingredients (except for cream), and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the pressure is released, add cream and cook on "sauté" for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

🍽️What to serve with chicken tikka masala?

• Follow the tradition and serve this one-pan chicken tikka masala with naan bread and rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or any flavorful rice you choose.
• This Indian chicken dish goes great over mashed potatoes or noodles.
• We also love using crusty bread as a vessel to sop up all the yummy masala sauce.
• Serve it with a side of green salad or traditional Indian Kachumber salad.

🗄️ Storage Instructions

• Refrigerating: Refrigerate leftover tikka masala in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Freezing: Dairy-based dishes don’t always reheat well after being frozen, as the dairy tends to separate slightly. You can still freeze them, but the consistency might be different.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

More easy one-pan recipes to try

📖 Recipe