Best Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken tikka masala features tender grilled chicken pieces simmered in a luscious spiced tomato cream sauce. This high protein chicken recipe is ideal for family meals and works well within a 1600 calorie diet plan.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 24 oz
  • plain Greek yogurt 1 cup
  • onion 1 cup
  • tomato puree 1.5 cup
  • heavy cream 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garam masala 2 tsp
  • ground cumin 1.5 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • ground turmeric 0.5 tsp
  • ground paprika 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • minced garlic 3 cloves
  • ginger 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 25%
Protein 31 g 32%
Fat 17 g 43%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, half the minced garlic, and ginger. Toss chicken pieces to coat, then cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred and cooked through.

  3. 3

    While chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 7 minutes until golden and softened, adding remaining garlic during the last minute.

  4. 4

    Add tomato puree, remaining garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and aromatic.

  5. 5

    Pour in heavy cream, stir to combine, then add roasted chicken pieces to the sauce. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to meld flavors and ensure chicken is tender. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides both the main texture and high protein content for this dish. The combination of Greek yogurt and a blend of Indian spices in the marinade helps create authentic flavor and tender chicken.
Q. Which spices define the flavor of Chicken Tikka Masala?
Garam masala, cumin, coriander, and paprika are the most important spices. Garam masala delivers warmth and complexity, cumin and coriander add earthiness, and paprika brings a subtle smokiness. Together, they create the signature flavor profile in the sauce and marinade.
Q. What is the best heat control method for grilling the chicken?
Roasting the marinated chicken at 450°F ensures quick cooking and slight charring, keeping the meat juicy. Turning the chicken once during roasting prevents uneven browning and helps lock in moisture for tender pieces.
Q. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out in the sauce?
First, marinating in yogurt with spices tenderizes the chicken, and roasting at high heat cooks it fast without over-drying. When simmering in the sauce, keep the heat gentle and cook for just 8–10 minutes to meld flavors and preserve moisture.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein ratio per serving?
Each serving contains about 390 kcal, with 31g protein (32% of calories), 24g carbohydrates (25%), and 17g fat (43%). This protein-to-carb ratio makes it a high-protein and diabetic friendly meal.
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