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Easy Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala

Juicy grilled chicken meets a creamy, spiced tomato sauce for a faster, lighter tikka masala. Perfect with rice or naan.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 0.75 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tsp garam masala divided
  • 2.5 tsp ground cumin divided
  • 1.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 3 tsp sweet paprika divided
  • 0.75 tsp ground turmeric divided
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to heat preference
  • 2.25 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.25 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, 2 tsp garam masala, 1.5 tsp cumin, coriander, 2 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp turmeric, cayenne, and 1.25 tsp salt in a bowl.
  • Toss chicken in the marinade to coat well. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates. Thread chicken onto skewers and brush lightly with 1 tsp oil.
  • Grill chicken, turning a few times, until lightly charred and cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Rest briefly.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining oil with butter in a skillet over medium. Cook onion until soft and golden, 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in remaining garam masala, remaining cumin, remaining paprika, remaining turmeric, and black pepper. Toast 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
  • Pour in tomato sauce and broth. Simmer until slightly thickened, 8–10 minutes. Stir in cream, sugar, and remaining salt.
  • Slice or slide chicken off skewers. Add to sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes to coat. Finish with cilantro and serve.

Notes

Swap the grill for a hot broiler: place marinated chicken on a foil-lined rack and broil 5–7 minutes per side. For extra richness, stir a spoonful of butter into the sauce at the end. Leftovers keep 3 days chilled; rewarm gently with a splash of broth or cream.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.