Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

Lately, I've been craving lighter and healthier meals. But since I love food, I still want to make sure that whatever I prepare is satisfying and full of flavour. The other day, my husband requested Indian food and I wanted salad so I put the two together and the result was a hit for both of us.

I mean you can never really go wrong with a classic.  I did a little experimenting and made a Chicken Tikka Masala which was succulent, spicy and delicious. The curry is so flavourful you could pair it with some naan too but we ate it with a salad and it was equally as satisfying.

It's a dish that's perfect for meal prep because you can make a big batch and enjoy it in different ways. This one is definitely going to be in a biweekly rotation.


Find the recipe below so you can make it at home, and let me know how it goes!

Chicken Tikka Masala

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients 

2 tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup of milk
3 chicken breasts, cubed
1 large onion, cubed
1/2 red pepper, cubed
1/2 zucchini, cubed
1/2 green pepper cubed
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 inch of ginger, minced
1/2 tsp of cumin seeds (divided into two portions)
1/4 tsp of salt
1/4 tsp of coriander powder
1/4 tsp of cumin powder
1/4 tsp of garam masala
1 tsp tandoori powder (divided into two portions)
1/3 tsp turmeric powder (divided into two portions)
1/2 a green chili, minced
2 tbsp tomato sauce
2-3 tbsp of water
juice of 1/2 lime
coriander leaves to garnish



1) Start with your chicken in a mixing bowl and add the milk. Stir to make sure the chicken is coated in the milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

2) Add oil to a pan (I use non-stick) over medium heat.

3) Add cumin seeds and allow them to begin to pop.

4) Add the chicken (discard the milk) to the pan along with the salt, 1/2 of the turmeric and 1/2 of the tandoori powder to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken in the spices.

5) Cook the chicken and remove it from the pan. In the same pan, add a little more oil and the rest of the cumin seeds.

6) When the cumin starts to sizzle add the onions and veggies.

7) Once the vegetables become a bit tender, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, more turmeric and tandoori powder.

8)Add the garlic, ginger and green chili.

9) Add the chicken back into the same pan and stir to combine everything.

10) Once the garlic and ginger have cooked a little, add the tomato sauce and garam masala. Cook for a few minutes.

11) Add a splash of water to thin out the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is the consistency you are looking for.

12) Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.



This is such a great way to get some protein in your diet. It's quick and easy as well as healthy!
I eat this chicken with a salad or in a wrap. You can also enjoy it with some rice or naan.