Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

A flavorful Indian curry dish featuring tender chunks of chicken breast cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices like garam masala and turmeric. Finished with peas, yogurt, and fresh cilantro, this comforting meal is perfect served with warm naan bread.

4 servings
20 min

Ingredients

  • 1 piece ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ½ medium yellow onion
  • pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • teaspoons turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 package frozen peas
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 serving naan

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Pulse ginger and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add onion and pulse again until finely chopped.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    Toss chicken with 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1 tsp. garam masala in a medium bowl.

    2 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil over high in a large skillet (at least 12" in diameter). Add chicken and cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a clean medium bowl.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Heat same skillet over medium-high and add butter, chopped onion mixture, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, turmeric, cayenne, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. garam masala and cook, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 2 minutes. Return chicken to pan, add peas, and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 1 minute more.

    7 min

  5. 5.

    Remove from heat and stir in yogurt and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 plates, top with cilantro, and serve with naan.

    3 min