Easy Tikka Masala
Easy homemade tikka masala recipe with Greek yogurt, light coconut milk, and aromatic spices. Ready in 50 minutes, healthier and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
- 3 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend or garam masala
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) light coconut milk
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Cooked basmati rice for serving
Instructions
- 1
Combine 3/4 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl to create a marinade.
- 2
Add chicken cubes to the yogurt mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, about 1 minute.
- 4
Working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, sear the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 5
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium.
- 6
Sauté the diced onions until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- 8
Add the tomato paste to the aromatics and cook for 1 minute while stirring to deepen its flavor.
- 9
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, light coconut milk, and vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- 10
Sprinkle in the turmeric, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, remaining 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice blend, salt, and black pepper, whisking until no lumps remain.
- 11
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 12
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the curry simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 13
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice, mixing gently to incorporate without breaking up the chicken.
- 14
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne to your preference.
- 15
Ladle the tikka masala into bowls and serve over fluffy basmati rice, garnished generously with fresh cilantro.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Plain Greek yogurt | Greek yogurt provides the same creamy richness while adding probiotics and protein, reducing calories by about 30% and lowering saturated fat significantly. |
| Full-fat coconut milk | Light coconut milk | Light coconut milk cuts calories and saturated fat in half while maintaining the authentic coconut essence and creaminess needed for the sauce. |
| Regular salt | Low-sodium vegetable broth and salt to taste | Controlling added salt and using low-sodium broth reduces overall sodium content by up to 25%, supporting heart health and better blood pressure management. |
| Paneer cheese | Extra-firm tofu or chickpeas | These plant-based proteins offer comparable texture and nutrition while being lighter, higher in fiber, and better for those with dairy sensitivities. |
| White basmati rice | Brown basmati rice or cauliflower rice | Brown rice contains more fiber and nutrients, while cauliflower rice dramatically reduces carbohydrates and calorie load with zero glycemic impact. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 425 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 82mg |
| Sodium | 510mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 46g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
