Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
If you’ve ever craved that vibrant, creamy, nuclear-orange Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce from your favorite curry stand, this homemade version is your answer. Rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this sauce is the perfect base for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Making this sauce at home may sound intimidating, but with simple, everyday ingredients, you can recreate that classic, restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also freezes beautifully for later, making it a versatile recipe to have on hand.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation and it pairs wonderfully with dishes like One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken for a complete, flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy, but easy to make
- Vibrant, authentic color and flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Freezer-friendly for quick meals later
- Customizable for spice level and dietary preferences
The combination of ghee, spices, tomato sauce, and cream gives the sauce a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched.
Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
Notes
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more for heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- Heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin, salt, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aromas.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Add the cream, sugar (if using), and paprika to the sauce. Bring it back to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with curry powder. Sear the chicken, cooking for about 3 minutes until browned but still slightly pink inside.
- Transfer the seared chicken and any pan juices into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. Adjust salt and sugar to taste.
- Serve the chicken tikka masala over rice, and enjoy your homemade, pub-style indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Just avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
2. How can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version. This still gives a rich texture and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and add cooked chicken when ready to serve.
4. How do I adjust the heat if I don’t like it spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add a little sugar to balance the heat if desired.
5. Can I freeze the sauce for later use?
Yes! Allow the sauce to cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce is the ultimate homemade version of the classic curry stand favorite. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this sauce transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Serve it over rice, with naan, or alongside vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal. Pair it with dishes like One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken for a complete, flavorful dinner experience that your whole family will love.
