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    Home » Chicken

    June 30, 2021

    Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Milk

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    Easy Chicken Tikka Masala is a hearty meal that is sure to make your heart and belly happy! Why order in when you can whip up this delicious flavorful meal in no time! A combination of cubed chicken, potatoes, and onions infused with spices like curry, coriander, and cumin in a creamy tikka masala simmered sauce. Protein-packed, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!


    How to make chicken tikka masala. Easy Tikka Masala with coconut milk without using tikka masala spices
    Grand tikka masala chicken dish is not only easy but so hearty and delicious!

    Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

    Served over rice, cozy up and enjoy a warm bowl for days since it makes a perfect left over meal or as a meal prep for the week! Using ingredients you most likely have on hand like chicken, potatoes, onions, and tikka masala sauce jars, you can whip this hearty flavor packed meal in no time and skip ordering in. You can choose to add mushrooms, peas, bamboo shoots, or colored peppers if you like.


    Variations of Tikka Masala

    Chicken masala recipe is sure to be a huge hit but did you know you can make change it up and make it seafood style tikka masala or beef chunks? Instead of chicken you can add shrimp, scallops or bass fish.

    How Else Can You Prepare this Dish?

    Chicken:

    Have some chicken breast in the freezer? Great! Thaw it out and cut it up into cubes to sauté it! No frozen chicken breast and you don’t want to buy any? No problem, you can substitute them for chicken tenders if you have a bag or package lying around in your freezer. Fry them up and sauté them lightly with the other ingredients! Just as flavorful just adding different textures! Don’t like chicken breast? Go for boneless chicken thighs! It makes the dish a little more savory and adds extra broth to the sauce!

    Onion:

    Lots of recipes call for onions. Have you ever found yourself asking: which kind? Usually any kind of onion you have on hand will do. But, it is good to know how the type of onion you use affects the flavor of your dish. Sweet onions are mild in flavor and won’t overpower your dish. They work great in a dish like tikka masala if your focus is on capturing the flavors of the masala sauce. White onions are very similar as well, very light flavor and merge well with other flavors.

    Yellow onions work well too, as they offer a cinch more flavor than other onions and have a higher heat intensity level. This means they can be cooked for a while and not fall apart! Red onions are strongest in flavor and are usually used more raw like in salads or salsas. They can work in a dish like tikka masala if you like that extra kick of flavor!

    Potatoes:

    You’ll notice most recipes don’t include potatoes. This is a personal touch my family and I enjoy. It adds more texture and starchiness which keeps the sauce creamy. Also, it makes every bite chunky, wholesome, and helps absorb the flavor of the yummy curry spices!

    Tikka Masala Sauce:

    I used store-bought tikka masala jars that I think are the perfect balance of flavors. Buy your favorite brand and keep it in your pantry for recipes like this or many others! Want to go homemade all the way? Go for it! The sauce isn’t that difficult but it has specific ingredients you may not always have on hand like garam masala. But basically it’s an aromatic tomato sauce with curry!

    Coconut Milk:

    This is also another optional ingredient that I love adding. Usually the tikka masala sauce has thick or heavy cream to create a balance in flavor and add some creaminess to the texture. Adding the coconut milk also helps to add thickness to the sauce and brings a nice flavor to the stew.


    traditional chicken tikka masala made with Indian chicken, tikka masala paste
    Look at that creamy thick sauce! YUM!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes! Omit the chicken and add the traditional chickpeas that you can sauté until golden and a little crisp for extra texture and flavor as your source of protein!

    Can I prep for this dish ahead of time?

    Of course! You can either sauté chicken and veggies a day before and refrigerate. Then, the next day you can add the sauce and simmer together. Or, you can measure out spices and wash and chop up veggies the night before for less prep steps the next day!

    How can I store leftover chicken tikka masala?

    In an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for about a month and a half.

    Why should I use coconut milk?

    Though it’s not a requirement for this recipe, it adds a balance by toning down the spiciness of the tikka masala sauce. It also thins out the sauce a little which is great because the sauce grows in volume. That means more for dipping your bread into!


    Tips:

    Preparing Chicken Tikka Masala

    • For added flavor and tenderness if using chicken breast, marinate in yogurt.
    • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, if not, a regular pan will do.
    • You can cook them in a pot, instant pot, or crockpot.
    • If you want a juicier chicken piece, use thighs instead of chicken breast.
    • Add or remove spices to your liking. This dish tastes great with a zing to it, so feel free to add chili flakes, fresh chili pieces, or cayenne pepper.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander, shallots, basil, or parsley.

    Serve Chicken Tikka Masala with:

    • White basmati or jasmine rice (or rice of your choice)
    • Naan or Flat Bread (spread some garlic sauce or garlic and herb sauce on either bread for a perfect combo of flavors)
    • A refreshing salad of your choice
    • Garlic bread
    • Samosas

    How to make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Milk

    Ingredients

    • chicken breast or chicken tenders cubed
    • medium potatoes; cubed
    • medium onions; diced
    • olive oil or avocado oil
    • Tikka Masala jars
    • canned coconut milk
    • tomato paste
    • sour cream optional
    • curry spice
    • cumin spice
    • coriander
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    1. Cube the chickens into 1 inch sized cubes then add into a medium size pot on high heat. Sear for about 5-6 minutes then drain any water released by the chicken then place pot back onto stove top.
    2. Add in the diced potatoes, diced onion and sauté’ for about 3-4 minutes. Add in the 2 jars of tikka masala sauce, 1 can of coconut milk, curry spice, cumin, coriander, tomato paste, and sour cream.
    3. Allow to boil for a few minutes then simmer for 20- 30 minutes covered. Add salt to taste and enjoy over a warm bed of rice.

    homemade chicken tikka masala - chicken tikka masala main ingredients

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    Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Milk

    Lama
    A hearty flavor-packed dish that's great for meal prep!
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 8 people

    Equipment

    medium pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs chicken breast or chicken tenders cubed
    • 4 medium potatoes cubed
    • 2 medium onions diced
    • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
    • 2 15 oz Tikka Masala jars
    • 2 13.6 oz canned coconut milk
    • 2 Tablespoons ginger and garlic paste
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 tablespoons sour cream optional
    • 2 tablespoons curry spice
    • 1 tablespoon cumin spice
    • 2 teaspoons coriander
    • salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Cube the chickens into 1 inch sized cubes then add into a medium size pot on high heat. Sear for about 5-6 minutes then drain any water released by the chicken then place pot back onto stove top.
    • Add in the diced potatoes, diced onion and sauté’ for about 3-4 minutes. Add in the 2 jars of tikka masala sauce, 2 cans of coconut milk, curry spice, cumin, coriander, tomato paste, and sour cream.
    • Allow to boil for a few minutes then simmer for 20- 30 minutes covered. Add salt to taste and enjoy over a warm bed of rice.

    Video

    Notes

    This meal is perfect for meal prepping since you can enjoy it all week long.  To thicken the sauce you can add another tablespoon or so of sour cream but don’t get carried away.  Taste and adjust the curry, cumin and corriander if needed.
    You can choose to add mushrooms to this hearty chicken tikka masala meal or peppers of any color.  If you are like me and love spicy food you can add crushed red pepper and enjoy this rich and hearty spicy bowl of tikka masala curry.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Susan says

      July 03, 2021 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      Wow this chicken tikka masala stew was delicious. On point with flavors and the addition of curry

      Reply
      • Lama says

        July 06, 2021 at 10:48 pm

        Happy to hear you enjoyed this meal!

        Reply
    2. Jeanne says

      August 07, 2021 at 12:18 am

      It it one or two cans of coconut milk??? Its says 2 on recipe ingredients, but one in direction?

      Reply
      • Lama says

        August 07, 2021 at 12:50 am

        Hi Jeanne! It is 2 cans of coconut milk. Thanks for the heads up, I will change that!

        Reply
    3. Tala says

      August 09, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! There is so much flavor in this recipe! I have never tried to make any Indian cuisine before, but this was a great one. My husband and kids loved it. It seems to be a fantastic add to the dinner rotation. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        August 16, 2021 at 2:55 pm

        I tell you, we have this meal very often since it is so hearty and delicious! Glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    4. Karen says

      August 26, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      Outstanding!!! This recipe tastes exactly like the chicken tikka masala that I order from the local Indian restaurant. Also made Basmati Rice and your garlic Naan bread.

      Reply
      • Lama says

        August 29, 2021 at 3:51 pm

        What an great compliment! Super exciting to hear this 🙂

        Reply
    5. Perla says

      October 05, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe turned out just perfect! The taste is so authentic and real! Will def make it again

      Reply
    6. Carol Chatterton says

      June 14, 2022 at 5:17 pm

      4 stars
      Tried a version of less quantity and with the ingredients I can get locally in Chile. Had to replace several of the prepared “spices” but used the actual ingredient. Used electric frypan so no mess and the whole family enjoyed it.

      Reply
      • Lama says

        August 31, 2022 at 4:19 pm

        Hi Carol! I am so happy you enjoyed it despite the changes in the spices 🙂

        Reply

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    I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. My passion for cooking began after I got married when I challenged myself to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. With the help of my mom over the phone, I was so proud it turned out successful! Today, I share my passion across many social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest! I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare! about me!

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