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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala for Two

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala for Two

A streamlined tikka masala built for two people in a single pan. Tender chicken thighs cook in a spiced tomato sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and no fussy techniques. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality without the complexity.

2
Servings
10m
Prep
25m
Cook
480
Calories
42g
Protein
This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. If you prefer boneless thighs or chicken breast, reduce the cook time by 5 minutes and check for doneness at 15 minutes.
Indianweeknightcozydate-night

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon
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Steps

  1. 1. Prep

  2. 2. Cook the Chicken and Build the Base

  3. 3. Simmer and Finish

Tikka Masala Without Heavy Cream

This recipe uses yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, tangier sauce that still delivers creaminess. Yogurt adds protein and keeps the dish fresher-tasting. If you prefer an even lighter version, use Greek yogurt or reduce the amount to 1/4 cup and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth.

Make It in 30 Minutes

Bone-in chicken thighs cook faster than you'd expect and stay juicy. Prep your onion, garlic, and ginger while the chicken sears. The entire dish from start to finish takes about 35 minutes, with only 10 minutes of hands-on work.

Upgrade with Jar Sauce

Short on time or spices? Use 1 cup of quality tikka masala sauce from a jar (like Shan or Deep brand) instead of the spice blend and tomato paste. Stir it in after the onion cooks, then add the yogurt at the end. This cuts prep time by 5 minutes and works just as well.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier during cooking. If using boneless, skinless breasts, reduce simmering time to 10 to 12 minutes and check doneness at 10 minutes to avoid drying them out.
What if I don't have tikka masala spice blend?
Combine 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon paprika, 0.5 teaspoon turmeric, and 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Adjust cayenne to your heat preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the yogurt with 0.5 cup of coconut milk stirred in at the end. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious and creamy.
What should I serve this with?
Serve over basmati rice, with naan bread, or over cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple side salad or cucumber raita works well too.

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