Chicken Tikka Masala

January 1, 2026 · Mains · Indian · Chicken

Classic. Delicious. How can you go wrong. I usually ‘cheat’ and use a spice mix that you can buy in large canisters, which is fine because that’s what your favorite restaurant is likely doing anyway.

5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (breasts, legs, or a mix), skin removed

Spice Mix (makes 9 tbsp):

• 3 tablespoons toasted ground cumin

• 3 tablespoons toasted paprika

• 2 tablespoons toasted ground coriander seed

• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Marinade:

• 6 tbsp spice mix

• 8 cloves garlic, grated

• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated on the medium holes of a box grater

• 2 cups yogurt

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup salt

Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter or ghee

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, roughly mashed

• 4 cloves garlic, grated on the medium holes of a box grater

• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems

• 1 cup heavy cream