Classic Chicken Tikka Masala
Mise en Place / Ingredients[17]
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 0.75 cup Whole milk plain Greek yogurt (Fage Total 5%)
- 6 cloves Fresh garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tbsp Aromatic garam masala spice blend
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper or Kashmiri chili powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 large Large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz) Canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano or Muir Glen)
- 0.75 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp Dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 3 cups Steamed white basmati rice, for serving
🛒 US Supermarket Brand Guide
The irreplaceable secret restaurant spice that produces authentic Indian curry aroma. • 📍 Indian / International spice aisle.
Warm sweet spices that ground the savory tomato base. • 📍 Spice aisle.
Cooking Sequence & Checkpoints
Whisk Greek yogurt, half the grated garlic and ginger, half the garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and kosher salt. Coat chicken and chill 1 hour (60 minutes restTime).
✓ Checkpoint: Thickly coated chicken thighs.
Arrange chicken chunks on a wire rack set in a sheet pan. Broil on high for 10 to 12 minutes until charred at the edges and ≥165°F (74°C).
✓ Checkpoint: Sizzling chicken pieces with smoky blackened edges.
Melt butter or ghee in a Dutch oven and sauté diced yellow onion for 8 minutes until golden. Stir in remaining garlic, ginger, garam masala, and crushed tomatoes; simmer gently for 15 minutes.
✓ Checkpoint: Thick, deeply fragrant brick-red sauce.
Whisk in heavy cream and crushed Kasoori Methi. Add broiled chicken and its resting juices; simmer for 5 minutes until chicken reaches 175°F–185°F (79°C–85°C) for maximum dark-meat tenderness. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed basmati rice.
✓ Checkpoint: Velvety orange-red curry bursting with aroma.
🔬 Why It Works:
The Broiler Tandoor Effect: Roasting marinated chicken pieces spaced on an elevated wire rack beneath a high broiler chars the yogurt exterior and creates smoky depth without drying out the dark meat.
⚠️ Troubleshooting:
The sauce is unpleasantly acidic: Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar or honey and let the tomatoes simmer for 10 more minutes before adding the heavy cream.