Name: The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 400g canned crushed tomatoes; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon chili powder; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Hey y'all! If you've ever craved that rich, creamy chicken tikka masala from your favorite Indian restaurant, I've got great news—today, I'm sharing The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe that's unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make at home. With its luscious, spiced tomato sauce and juicy, marinated chicken, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Ready for big flavors and lots of compliments? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This: The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

It delivers mouthwatering, restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen.
The marinade makes chicken extra juicy and packed with flavor.
Creamy tomato sauce and bold spices satisfy every craving for Indian cuisine.
It's great for meal prep and reheats perfectly for busy weeknights.
You can customize the spice level for the whole family to enjoy!

Ingredients for The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon garam masala
1½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 serrano chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
1½ cups tomato puree (canned or fresh)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice and/or naan, for serving

Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and coriander with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (best overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven's broiler to high or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange chicken in a single layer.
Broil or grill chicken for 8-9 minutes, turning once, until charred at the edges and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and soft.
Stir in garlic, ginger, and serrano chili; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato puree, remaining spices, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend sauce with an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth (optional, but gives a restaurant-style texture).

Step 4: Finish The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Return sauce to skillet and mix in broiled chicken. Pour in heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoon butter, stirring to combine.
Simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan!

Notes: Tips for Perfect Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala

For an even richer sauce, substitute half the cream with coconut cream; see more nutritional insights at Healthline: Coconut Milk Nutrition.
Char the chicken under a broiler to mimic the smoky flavor of a tandoor oven; learn more about tandoori cooking at Serious Eats - Tandoor Cooking.
Blend your sauce for the silkiest, smoothest texture.

Variations: The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Your Way

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a delicious meat-free version.
Lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Spicy: Add extra chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Required Equipment for The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet or grill pan
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Immersion blender or standard blender (optional)
Measuring spoons and cups

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Store cooled chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
For best taste, store sauce and chicken separately if prepping ahead.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions for The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Serve with fluffy basmati rice and warm, buttery naan.
Add a side of cucumber raita or fresh green salad for a cool contrast.
Enjoy with a crisp lager or a glass of chilled white wine.

Pro Tips for The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Marinate the chicken overnight for deepest flavor infusion.
Always let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before adding to the sauce to lock in juices (see Serious Eats' Chicken Tikka Masala Guide).
Butter adds glossy richness; don’t skip those final tablespoons!

FAQs: The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: Absolutely, but thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving during the cooking process.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?: Yes! Swap Greek yogurt and cream with coconut yogurt and coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
How spicy is this recipe?: It’s moderately spiced—add more or less chili to fit your heat preference, or leave it out entirely for a milder dish.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes (1 hour 50 minutes including marinating)

The Best Restaurant Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe