Indian dinner
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
Craving a comforting curry night without spending hours at the stove? This easy chicken tikka masala recipe delivers all the rich, gently spiced indulgence you love in just 35 minutes. Juicy chicken pieces are seared to perfection and simmered in a luscious, velvety tomato-and-cream sauce. Paired with fluffy basmati rice, it is a high-protein, gluten-free dinner that brings restaurant-worthy flavour straight to your weeknight routine. Grab your favourite pan, let those warm spices work their magic, and dive into pure comfort with zero fuss.
Jump to recipe
- 35 min · Under 40 min
- Beginner
- Medium spice
- Serves 2
- Hob
Contains: Milk. Always check ingredient labels.
Why you'll love it
- Ready on the hob in just 35 minutes for an effortless curry night.
- Rich, creamy sauce balanced with gentle, warming spices.
- Naturally high-protein and gluten-free comfort food.
Fits your table
- Cooking for one
- Cook the full recipe to enjoy a fabulous dinner tonight and an even tastier lunch tomorrow.
- For two
- The portion sizes are perfectly calibrated for a cosy two-person dinner date.
- With kids
- Tame the medium heat by holding back a little chilli powder and stirring in an extra dash of cream.
- Swaps
- For a dairy-free version, swap the yoghurt, butter, and cream for your favourite plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cubed350 g
- Plain yoghurt60 g
- Garam masala2 tsp
- Onion, finely chopped1 whole
- Garlic and ginger paste1 tbsp
- Tomato passata250 ml
- Single cream80 ml
- Ground turmeric and chilli powder1 tsp
- Basmati rice140 g
- Butter or ghee15 g
Steps
Storage & leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition
This dinner leans high protein. We don't publish calorie numbers until they're calculated from real data.
Questions
Is this chicken tikka masala gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written when served with the basmati rice.
What allergens are in this dish?
This recipe contains milk from the yoghurt, butter, and single cream.
Can I freeze chicken tikka masala?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and curry sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the hob.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a medium spice level, offering a warming kick from the chilli powder and garam masala that remains balanced and approachable.
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Last updated 2026-11-08