Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe – Traditional Indian Dish

If you’re tired of dinners that look filling but somehow leave you hungry later, this Chicken Tikka Masala is a recipe worth keeping on repeat. It’s bold, flavorful, and built to actually satisfy, making it a great option when you want a reliable, protein-packed meal.

Low Carb High Protein Option

Just a reminder, if you want to have a healthier dish, reduce the coconut milk and leave out the extras (rice and naan) and you have a low-carb, high-protein dinner!

Check out my Low-Carb Curry Cauliflower Tikka Masala Recipe >

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Just like my Cauliflower Masala recipe, this Chicken Tikka Masala is filled with protein, layered with rich flavor, and so unbelievably filling it easily stands alone as a complete dinner.

Made with tender chicken and a creamy tomato masala sauce, this easy homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or when you want a healthier version of a classic Indian restaurant favorite.

You can serve over rice and with naan to dip into the sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 TB olive oil
• 12 oz chicken strips (breast or thighs are fine)
• 1 head cauliflower
• 2 TB butter
• 1 small onions finely diced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 8 oz plain greek yogurt
• 3 oz can tomato puree
• 2 tb garlic (powder or real finely grated)
• 1 tb ginger(powder or real finely grated)
• 1 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander ground
• 1 TB brown sugar (or brown sugar alternative - optional)

Additional Items

• Rice
• Naan

Directions

1. Add extra virgin olive oil to a deep dish frying pan on medium-high heat.
2. In a steamer bring water to a boil and start cooking the cauliflower
3. If you are making rice, you can start cooking the rice in the microwave or stovetop at this time (see my tip about reducing carbs with rice)
4. Add chicken into the pan and get golden brown on each side, cooked almost all the way
5. Place chicken on a side plate with a cover
6. Turn heat to medium and add to the pan you just used for the chicken the butter and small onions. Mix and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions start to cook slightly
7. Add in the tomato paste stiring to combine completely
8. Pour in the coconut oil and mix until fully combined
9. Add in the greek yogurt and whisk - the mixture may curdle or not mix fully where you can see white bits. That is normal. You can keep whisking until they go away or leave as is, it won't hurt the outcome.
10. Add in the remainder ingredients and combine.
11. Leave simmer on medium for about 5 minutes
12. When ready you can add the chicken back in to cook thoroughly and add in chunks of steamed cauliflower.

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Original recipe date: March 2022