Everything about India captured my heart, from its color to its chaos to the warmth of its people to its cuisine. While there is much about India that I miss, it is the steaming, creamy curries, fluffy, tender naan bread, and vibrant spices I pine for most. I’ve had prior success making healthy, Indian-inspired recipes in my own kitchen, Paneer Tikka Masala, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, and Instant Pot Lentil Curry being three faves. Ben’s also spent time in India, and since chicken tikka masala is one of his favorite Indian dishes too, I decided to try my hand at a skinny chicken tikka masala that would do justice to the chicken curries we’d each experienced abroad. Verdict: Success! While this Instant Pot chicken tikka masala cannot compare exactly to the phenomenal ones we ate in India, for a richly flavored at-home version that takes minutes to prep, is made from ingredients I can purchase in a Midwest grocery store, AND that is healthy, I’m pretty darn happy with it. I am betting that you will be too!
What is in Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is a rich, flavorful Indian dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of juicy boneless chicken bathed in a rich, thick spiced curry sauce. It’s spiced in the sense of being intensely flavorful; it’s not spicy in the sense of being “hot.” The tikka sauce is orange in color, and it usually contains a creamy ingredient like coconut cream or yogurt. There is not one true recipe for chicken tikka masala, and you can find dozens (and dozens) of versions of it online. Today, I’m sharing my favorite easy chicken tikka masala recipe that’s made with simple ingredients you can find at the average grocery store.
The Ingredients
Chicken. I opted for boneless skinless chicken breasts, which become perfectly moist and flavorful during cooking. (If you’re looking for a vegetarian recipe, try this Tofu Tikka Masala.) Butter. While I think butter is best in this recipe, you could also try ghee, coconut oil, or extra-virgin olive oil. Vegetables. Onion and frozen peas were an easy and tasty addition. Garlic and Ginger. Fresh is the way to go with both of these. Spices. The secret to the richly flavored tikka curry sauce! I used garam masala, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne, which should all be easy to find in your local grocery store. Tomato Sauce. Adds incredible flavor with little work. Coconut Milk. Gives the sauce creaminess and richness. Greek Yogurt. For an extra bump of protein and to make the sauce all the more creamy, I made the Indian chicken tikka masala with Greek yogurt. Brown Rice or Naan. For serving! Both of these are delicious for soaking up the scrumptious sauce.
The Directions
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try this stove top Chicken Tikka Masala. But if you are using an Instant Pot, then:
Is Chicken Tikka Masala Bad for You?
While traditional chicken tikka masala calories may be considered high, this lightened-up version is good for you. Thanks to the healthy swaps, this recipe is packed with protein and nutrients while staying relatively low in calories.
What Does Chicken Tikka Masala Taste Like?
Chicken tikka masala is creamy and has a richly flavored tomato base. It’s slightly earthy, has rich undertones of garlic and ginger, and a hint of spice that tastes exotic but won’t overwhelm you. What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala? While both dishes can be similar in appearance and texture, butter chicken has less spices and tomato flavor than chicken tikka masala. (Butter chicken is also DELISH. For a first-hand comparison, check out my favorite Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe.)
Why Make Chicken Tikka Masala in a Pressure Cooker?
As you no doubt deduced from the recipe title, I cooked this easy chicken tikka masala in my Instant Pot.
Because authentic Indian food recipes often take hours to prepare (thanks to toasting and grinding whole spices, plus long simmer times), making pressure cooker Indian food is a natural, valuable shortcut to creating a similar effect in a fraction of the time. Also, because the pressure cooker doesn’t lose moisture, the chicken stays wonderfully moist. I am smitten with Instant Pot Indian chicken recipes. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice has a few of the same healing Indian spices (though its flavor profile is more subtle). (Check out more of my favorite healthy Instant Pot dishes in this post: 15 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes.) Can I make this healthy chicken tikka masala in a slow cooker instead? I haven’t tried a chicken tikka masala slow cooker version yet, but I’m betting it would work! See tips for slow cooker and stovetop versions of the recipe in the notes section in the recipe below. Also, check out my recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try this Chicken Tikka Masala instead.
How to Store, Reheat, and Instant Pot Tikka Masala
To Store. Store chicken tikka masala in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To Reheat. Gently reheat leftovers in a large pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until warmed through. To Freeze. Place cooked and cooled leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture will become slightly grainy, but it will still be tasty.
What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala
Rice. I love serving this dish with a side of Turmeric Rice or brown rice, but white or basmati rice would be great as well. Naan. Fluffy and always delicious! Try my simple Homemade Naan recipe. Vegetables. To bump up the veggie content of your meal, this would be delicious with a side of roasted cauliflower or sautéed kale.
Recommended Tools to Make Instant Pot Tikka Masala
Instant Pot. I used this one to make my Instant Pot chicken tikka masala.
Whether you adore Indian food or are just starting to tiptoe your way in, this healthy twist on chicken tikka masala is a wonderful mini vacation on a plate. Close your eyes and inhale its sweet aroma. You can almost hear the Bollywood tunes playing through the streets!
