Chicken

Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 tablespoons (30g) ghee or coconut oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley

By Una Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Chicken

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tasted Chicken Tikka Masala - it was love at first bite. The combination of tender, spiced chicken and a rich, creamy tomato sauce was unlike anything I'd ever had before. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, using low-carb keto ingredients and techniques. After months of experimentation, I finally landed on a recipe that I'm excited to share with you.

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb keto diet. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor. The best part? It's a crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it to your family and friends without worrying about anyone feeling deprived.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-heat searing to build flavor. By cooking the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil, we create a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat. And by using a mixture of spices and herbs, we add depth and complexity to the dish without adding any extra carbs.

Another key component of this recipe is the sauce. Made with a combination of canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and spices, it's rich and creamy without being too heavy. And by using a low-carb sweetener like stevia, we can add a touch of sweetness without compromising the dish's keto credentials.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a great choice. It's easy to follow, requires minimal special equipment, and is ready in under an hour. So why not give it a try and see what you think?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it to your family and friends without worrying about anyone feeling deprived.
The dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of spices and herbs.
It's a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it's ready in under an hour.
The recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb diet.
The sauce is rich and creamy, but not too heavy, making it a great accompaniment to the chicken.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of high-heat searing and a rich, creamy sauce. By cooking the chicken in a hot skillet, we create a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat. And by using a mixture of spices and herbs, we add depth and complexity to the dish without adding any extra carbs.

The sauce is also a crucial component of this recipe. Made with a combination of canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and spices, it's rich and creamy without being too heavy. And by using a low-carb sweetener like stevia, we can add a touch of sweetness without compromising the dish's keto credentials.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of resting time. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, we allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender. This makes a big difference in the final dish, and is a step that's often overlooked in other recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. From the chicken and spices to the canned tomatoes and heavy cream, every component plays a crucial role in the final dish. Here's a list of what you'll need to get started:

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. For the chicken, look for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts. For the spices, choose fresh, high-quality options whenever possible. And for the canned tomatoes, opt for a brand that's low in added sugar and salt.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, bonelessLook for high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs will yield a more tender final dish.
2 tablespoons (30g) ghee or coconut oilGhee or coconut oil are great options for cooking the chicken, as they have a high smoke point and add a rich, buttery flavor to the dish.
1 onion, dicedA diced onion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the sauce. Be sure to cook it until it's soft and translucent before adding the other ingredients.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMinced garlic adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. Be sure to cook it until it's soft and fragrant before adding the other ingredients.
1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoesCanned diced tomatoes are a convenient and flavorful addition to the sauce. Look for a brand that's low in added sugar and salt.
1 cup (240ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce. You can also use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative if you prefer.
1 teaspoon ground cuminGround cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality spice that's fresh and fragrant.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky, savory flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality spice that's fresh and fragrant.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors in the sauce and helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Be sure to use a high-quality salt that's fresh and fragrant.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality pepper that's fresh and fragrant.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroChopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality herb that's fresh and fragrant.
1 tablespoon lemon juiceLemon juice adds a tangy, citrusy flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality juice that's fresh and fragrant.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyChopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use a high-quality herb that's fresh and fragrant.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWhisk

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), about 5-7 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
6
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil to the skillet and stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
7
Add the canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chopped fresh cilantro to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it's thickened and reduced slightly.
9
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley.
10
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
11
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
12
Serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh spices and herbs, to get the best flavor out of this dish.
Don't overcook the chicken - it should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), but still be juicy and tender.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Use a variety of spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite spices and herbs to the sauce.
Serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice to round out the meal.
Consider making a double batch of the sauce and freezing it for later use.
Use a sharp chef's knife to chop the onion and garlic, and to slice the chicken before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a thin and flavorless sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the sauce frequently enough, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the skillet and burn.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing and serving, which can result in a less tender and juicy final dish.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or beef, in place of the chicken.
Add some extra flavor to the sauce by incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Use coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream to add a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the sauce for added flavor.
Use a variety of spices, such as garam masala or curry powder, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Serve the dish with a side of naan bread or cauliflower rice to round out the meal.

What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a side of cauliflower rice. You could also serve the dish with some naan bread or a green salad for a more well-rounded meal.

Consider serving the dish at a dinner party or special occasion, as it's sure to impress your guests with its rich and creamy sauce and tender, juicy chicken. You could also make a double batch of the sauce and freeze it for later use, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sproutsServe with a side of cauliflower riceServe with some naan bread or a green saladServe with a side of raita (a yogurt and cucumber sauce)

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store in the fridge, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. You could also reheat the dish in the oven, covered with foil, at 350 F (180 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Consider making a double batch of the sauce and freezing it for later use, as it's a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Simply thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. You could also add some extra cream or coconut milk to the sauce to thin it out and make it more creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Thighs will yield a more tender final dish, but breasts will work well too.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Can I freeze the sauce for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for later use. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. To reheat, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

What type of spices and herbs should I use for this recipe?

You can use a variety of spices and herbs for this recipe, including cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to the sauce for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, you can make this recipe without heavy cream. Simply substitute in some coconut milk or cream, or use a non-dairy milk alternative. You can also add some extra butter or ghee to the sauce to make it more rich and creamy.

What type of sides should I serve with this dish?

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or naan bread. You could also serve it with a green salad or some raita (a yogurt and cucumber sauce) to round out the meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

What is the nutritional information for this recipe?

The nutritional information for this recipe will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, a rough estimate for the dish is approximately 350-400 calories per serving, with 30-40g of protein, 10-15g of carbs, and 20-25g of fat.

The Full Recipe

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