Recipe for the BEST Made from Scratch Chicken Tikka Masala

This recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, that is made from scratch, will help you to never have to buy the canned jars ever again. I promise. With only a few ingredients, and under an hour TOTAL, you too can wow your family with a homemade from scratch meal.

Chicken Tikka Masala served on a plate with quinoa and zucchini

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Published October 14, 2022
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Cost breakdown for this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Why are prices so high?

As far as recipes go, this one is fairly inexpensive. The main cost will be in the chicken, and with food prices how high they are right now, this cost could always come down. As I write this, we are deep in a chicken shortage of 2022. With a highly contagious strain of bird flu running across the world, chicken prices are now, however, at an all-time-high. For example, two years ago to 2020, a pack of chicken breasts was under $10. However, that same pack of chicken is now $12-$14.

Costs of each food item

4 chicken breasts $12.54
1 cup Greek yogurt, plain $0.93
1 Tbsp Lemon juice $0.04
1 tsp Cinnamon $0.07
1 Tbsp Ground ginger $0.21
2 tsp Cumin $0.16
Salt to taste $0.01
2 tsp Pepper $0.01
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper OR 1 Tbsp Chili Powder $0.21
Can tomato sauce $0.49
1 cup heavy cream $1.00
1 Tbsp butter $0.07

The total cost for this meal was $15.74, not including the sauteed zucchini on the side.

Zucchini $2.66
Shallot $1.00
Including the veggies on the side, this entire meal cost $19.44. Getting a family dinner of 6 for under $20 is literally a great price. Especially with leftovers the next day!

dinner simmering on stove for chicken tikka masala recipe

Pair Masala with Delicious Naan

Can you have Masala without Naam?!
Not a chance, am I right?!
When trying to make recipes from scratch, making as much homemade without buying it from the store is the way to go. By making food from scratch, you can not only maintain a healthy diet and keep the finances under control.

Additionally, you then know that the food you give to your people has ingredients that you are healthy and so much more cost effective on the budget.

For the easiest Naan recipe, click the link below and check out my blog!

Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala

4 chicken breasts
1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Ground ginger
2 tsp Cumin
Salt to taste
2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper OR 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
Can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup cilantro (optional)

all the ingredients needed to make chicken tikka masala on a cutting board

Directions for Chicken Tikka Masala

1. To a large bowl, add 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, Cayenne pepper OR chili powder, black pepper, ginger, 1/2 tsp salt and then mix well to combine.

2. On a cutting board, cut the chicken breasts to 1–2-inch chunks, then place the chicken into the large bowl with the sauce mixture.

3. Place the large bowl, covered, into the fridge and then let it rest for at least 1 hour.
These bowls are amazing. Not only are they slip resistant with a silicone base, but they come with lids that fit each of the nesting bowls with the larger one with an optional insert for three different shredder options.
I love these bowls.

cover on bowl for chicken tikka masala

4. While the chicken is resting, clean and dice the zucchini on a cutting board, and also the onion and peppers then set aside.

5. Warm a large pan and then spray with a non-stick spray.

warming two pans on the stove to cook chicken tikka masala

6. When warm, add the chicken to the pan and cook until the juices run clear, around 10-15 minutes.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, push the chicken to the side of the pan and then melt the butter in the middle.

cooked chicken tikka masala in pan

8. To the butter, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

melt butter with garlic

9. To the garlic, add 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt and then stir to mix well.

10. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream and then mix well, simmering until thick.

11. While the chicken is simmering, cook the zucchini, peppers and onion in a medium saucepan until tender.

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa and enjoy!
~Monica

chicken tikka masala served with quinoa and veggies on white plate

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken tikka masala

Recipe for the BEST Made from Scratch Chicken Tikka Masala

The BEST recipe for a homemade from scratch Chicken Tikka Masala. This recipe is easy, quick and so delicious! Never buy premade again.
Prep Time 1 hr 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt plain
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Ginger
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Salt extra to taste
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Chili Powder OR 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro optinal

Instructions
 

  • To a large bowl, add 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, Cayenne pepper OR chili powder, black pepper, ginger, 1/2 tsp salt and then mix well to combine.
  • On a cutting board, cut the chicken breasts to 1–2-inch chunks, then place the chicken into the bowl with the sauce mixture.
  • Place the bowl, covered, into the fridge and then let it rest for at least 1 hour.
  • While the chicken is resting, clean and dice the zucchini and also the onion and peppers then set aside.
  • While the chicken is resting, clean and dice the zucchini and also the onion and peppers then set aside.
  • Warm a large pan and then spray with a non-stick spray.
  • When warm, add the chicken to the pan and cook until the juices run clear, around 10-15 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, push the chicken to the side of the pan and then melt the butter in the middle.
  • To the butter, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • To the garlic, add 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt and then stir to mix well.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream and then mix well, simmering until thick.
  • While the chicken is simmering, cook the zucchini, peppers and onion in a medium saucepan until tender.
  • Serve with steamed rice or quinoa and enjoy!
Keyword Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Dinner Ideas, Dinner under $15, Dinner under $20, Homemade crust recipe, Indian food, Indian recipe, Naan, Tikka Masala, Tikka Masala Recipe

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Published by Monica's Scratch Kitchen

I have not always had the skills to cook and bake from scratch. As a young wife, I bought every meal frozen or boxed and presented it to my husband with a flourish, believing myself a decadent cook. As our budget shrunk, and our family grew, I looked for ways to stretch our money to nourish our kids with the best for their hungry appetites. Hoping to find recipes and meals that they would love to eat. Through the last 5 years, I have learned so many cooking and baking lessons, and experienced many wins and failures. Come along with me on this journey as I share my recipes that work, how to make them on the cheap, and my tips and tricks to get my kids to eat homemade deliciousness! I will also share updates to our house that we have done in the last year since our move. With one income, we do most of the work ourselves and with amazing family and friends to help out, cutting costs but keeping style and money in the bank! I am a wife and mother of 3 boys and 1 princess. When I was a kid, I remember being asked what I wanted to be or do when I grew up. My response was, "a mom", and I am proud to grow up and be a mom to 4 amazing kids! Samuel is 11, Matthew is 8, Levi is 4, and Elliana is almost 2. We have been blessed to have kids who love to explore foods, to try new recipes, and enjoy helping us around the house. With 4 kids, you better believe they help clean! My husband Tyler and I have been married almost 13 years. We love our kids, we love outdoors, camping, canoeing, grilling, watching movies, and just hanging out making memories. A few years ago I gifted Tyler with his own "menu" book, where we write meals and foods we have loved to eat. Weekly our family decides what our meals will be and I make up a grocery list with what we need. It literally is my favorite chore! I love to shop, so shopping for food on a budget is my biggest win! Thank you for taking the time and visiting my site, Subscribe so you do not miss a post! Keep coming back to hear about new recipes, updates on our home, fun times with our kids, and how to make homemade deliciousness! ~Monica

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