You know those nights when you want something rich, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy… but also don’t want to spend the rest of the week feeling like you ate a small butter factory? Enter Clean Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s got all the cozy, spiced goodness you love, minus the heavy cream coma. Basically, you get to have your curry and feel good about it too.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, it’s shockingly easy. No slaving over the stove for hours or hunting down spices from a mystical faraway land. Everything here is pretty grocery-store friendly. Plus, we’re making it lighter by using Greek yogurt and coconut milk instead of drowning it in cream and butter. The result? You still get that silky, aromatic sauce that hugs every bite of chicken, but without the “I need a nap” aftermath. Oh, and it reheats like a dream, so you can win dinner two nights in a row.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – for the marinade, and your protein boost
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice – fresh, because you’re fancy like that
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala – the magic mix
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – more if you’re feeling dangerous
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil – your choice
- 1 medium onion – finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes – no added sugar if possible
- 1 cup light coconut milk – creamy but not heavy
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish (optional, but makes you look like a pro)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and golden—about 5 minutes.
- Add marinated chicken (with all the yogurt mixture) to the skillet. Cook until chicken is browned on the outside, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, so the flavors get to know each other.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stir, and simmer another 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings—more salt, more spice, whatever your heart desires.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with warm naan. Sprinkle cilantro on top if you want to make it Instagram-worthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade – This is where all the magic happens. Don’t cheat.
- Using high heat the whole time – Congratulations, you’ve just burnt the spices. Keep it medium.
- Forgetting to taste-test at the end – Sauces evolve as they simmer, so check before serving.
- Overcrowding the pan – Give that chicken some personal space or it’ll steam instead of sear.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No Greek yogurt? Use regular plain yogurt, just drain off any extra liquid so it’s not too runny.
- Can’t do coconut milk? Go with unsweetened almond milk plus a tablespoon of cashew butter for creaminess.
- Vegetarian? Swap chicken for chickpeas or paneer.
- No garam masala? Mix equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Boom—DIY spice blend.
FAQ
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, just sear the chicken first for flavor, then dump everything in and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Is this spicy?
Mild to medium. If you’re spice-shy, reduce the chili powder. If you’re a heat chaser, double it.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Just let it cool, store in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Can I use chicken with bones?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and fish out the bones later.
What should I serve with it?
Rice, naan, quinoa, cauliflower rice—whatever will soak up all that sauce.
Can I skip the onion?
Technically yes, but you’ll miss a lot of flavor depth.
Final Thoughts
This Clean Chicken Tikka Masala is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt. You get the creamy, rich, spice-kissed sauce, but your stomach won’t feel like it needs a lie-down afterward. Now, go make this, put your feet up, and enjoy the fact that you just made a restaurant-level dish in your own kitchen. And yes—you’re allowed to brag about it.