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Plate of tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy orange sauce, topped with fresh cilantro.

Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Grilled yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato masala sauce with garlic, ginger, warm spices, cream, and fresh cilantro.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Keyword: Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep Time: 5 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 1 c plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces

For the Sauce

  • 4 long skewers
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ jalapeno pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 c heavy cream
  • ¼ c fresh cilantro chopped

For Serving

  • Garlic naan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper, minced fresh ginger, and salt.
  • Stir until the marinade is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • Add the bite-size chicken pieces to the marinade.
  • Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

  • Preheat the grill to high heat.
  • Lightly oil the grill grate before adding the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Base

  • In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeno.
  • Sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Add the Spices

  • Add the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and garam masala to the skillet.
  • Stir until the spices are evenly combined with the butter, garlic, and jalapeno.

Step 6: Add the Tomato Sauce and Cream

  • Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Simmer the sauce for approximately 20 minutes, or until it thickens.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Skewer the Chicken

  • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
  • Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 8: Grill the Chicken

  • Place the chicken skewers on the prepared grill.
  • Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.

Step 9: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

  • Remove the grilled chicken from the skewers.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the sauce.
  • Stir gently until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 10: Simmer

  • Simmer the grilled chicken in the sauce for 10 minutes.
  • This allows the flavors to combine and the chicken to absorb the sauce.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

  • Transfer the chicken tikka masala to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  • Serve warm with garlic naan.

Notes

To make this Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe gluten-free, confirm that the plain yogurt, tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, garam masala, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and all packaged spices are labeled gluten-free. Some spice blends and tomato sauces may contain gluten-based additives or cross-contact warnings, so check labels carefully. Serve with certified gluten-free naan or gluten-free rice instead of regular garlic naan. Use clean skewers, bowls, utensils, grill grates, and cookware to prevent gluten contamination.