One-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

  |  
Feb 24, 2025
One-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

One-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

A simplified one-pot version of the classic Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, that is both rich in flavor and satisfying to eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 550cal
Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 750mg

Difficulty Level: easy

15 min Prep
45 min Cook
1 hr Total
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of garam masala. Mix until chicken is well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, and cook for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the marinated chicken to the pot, including any leftover marinade, and stir to mix with the sauce. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Pair with cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread.
  9. Tip: If you want a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular turmeric. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance.