Think of tikka masala as two dishes cooked apart and married at the end. The grilled tikka needs real char on its own; without it you get tomato soup that happens to have chicken in it. Cook the marinated pieces over high, direct heat until they color, then fold them in so the browned edges stay distinct in the gravy.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Chicken thighs
Cut into large chunks so they take a char without drying; thighs hold up better than breast on high heat.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
MarinateCoat chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Rest 30 minutes minimum; overnight is better for deeper flavor.
GrillSear the chicken on a screaming-hot pan or grill until charred at the edges and just cooked, about 4 minutes a side. Set aside; it finishes in the sauce.
GravySoften onion, add ginger-garlic and ground spices for a minute, then blended tomatoes. Simmer 20 minutes until thick and jammy.
CombineFold the charred chicken in with any resting juices, stir in cream off the heat, and simmer gently two minutes to marry.
Can you make Chicken Tikka Masala in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Chicken Tikka Masala? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Chicken Tikka Masala ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Chicken Tikka Masala gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Chicken Tikka Masala vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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