Chicken Tikka Masala recipe served on a plate, by Gita Pita
Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsGita PitaChicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Inspired by Gita Pita
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Tender chicken cooked in a spiced creamy tomato sauce.

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Ingredients

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Marinade

Sauce

Method

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.

  2. 2

    Marinate the Chicken

    Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. 3

    Cook the Chicken

    In a large skillet or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Making the Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Onions

    In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 5

    Add Ginger and Garlic

    Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 6

    Add Tomato Puree and Spices

    Pour in the tomato puree, followed by the ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  4. 7

    Introduce the Coconut Milk

    Add the coconut milk to the sauce, stirring until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

  1. 8

    Combine Chicken with Sauce

    Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to combine.

Serving

  1. 9

    Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the Chicken Tikka Masala before serving. Serve hot with rice or naan.

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