Why You’ll Love Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala is the perfect fusion of bold spices and rich creaminess, offering the kind of meal that’s hearty, cozy, and ready to impress. It’s the recipe you didn’t know you needed, combining the deep flavors of Indian curry with a sweet, sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned spice-lover or new to Indian cooking, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pure Comfort
There’s something deeply comforting about Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala. The sauce is warm, buttery, and rich in flavor, the spices are perfectly balanced, and every bite hits you with layers of garlic, ginger, and tomato. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a flavorful hug after a long day.
Inspired by classics like 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken, this dish adds a sticky-sweet twist that elevates it from your usual tikka masala.
Ingredients for Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
What You Need
You don’t need a tandoor or a long list of fancy ingredients to make Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala. All you need is:
- A large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls for marinating
- A spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- A little love for spice
Time to Cook Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes (active)
This meal comes together quickly once your chicken is marinated. Perfect for weeknights, yet elegant enough for weekend dinners.
Steps to Make Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and all the spices. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Shake off excess marinade and cook chicken pieces until browned and mostly cooked through. Set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, add tomato puree and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until thick and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Make it Creamy & Sticky
Add cream (or coconut cream) and simmer until the sauce reduces and becomes sticky and glossy. Add a knob of butter for silkiness.
Step 5: Bring it Together
Return chicken to the pan. Coat well in the sticky masala sauce. Simmer another 5–10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.
Make Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala Perfect
Want your Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala to taste just like your favorite Indian restaurant (or better)? Here are some pro tips:
- Use full-fat yogurt for the marinade it keeps the chicken tender.
- Don’t skip the caramelization step for the sauce. That’s what makes it sticky and rich.
- For depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire.
- Always let it rest a minute before serving this thickens the sauce beautifully.
You can also read tips on Mastering the Cooking Time for Thin Sliced Chicken Breast if you’re using thin cuts.
Mix Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala Up
The beauty of Sticky Chicken lies in how versatile it is:
- Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness.
- Go dairy-free with coconut yogurt and coconut cream.
- Add peas or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Try different sauces from these Easy Stir Fry Sauces.
Perfect Partners
Here’s what goes beautifully with your sticky masala masterpiece:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Garlic naan or buttery roti
- Cucumber raita to cool it down
- Pickled onions for a zingy contrast
- Try it alongside Perfect Fried Rice with Egg, Chicken, and Shrimp for an East-meets-East fusion meal.
Busy Day Hero
This is a busy-day dinner dream. Marinate your chicken in the morning (or the night before), and when it’s dinner time, you’re less than 30 minutes away from magic.
Work Ahead
You can cook the sauce a day ahead and just add seared chicken when ready. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Save Some For Later
Leftover Sticky Chicken stores beautifully:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water
Everyone’s Happy
This dish walks the line between spicy and sweet, so it’s perfect for families. You can scale the heat up or down based on your audience.
Good For You Too
With lean protein and the option for dairy-free swaps, Sticky Chicken can be adjusted for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Easy Clean Up
All you need is one pan and a few prep bowls. Less cleanup, more couch time.
Switch Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala Up
If you’re looking for something similar but different, try:
These recipes share the same sweet-savory-spiced energy!
Simply Perfect
This isn’t just dinner it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. The kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar, even on a Tuesday.
🎯 FAQs for Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too. Just don’t overcook them.
2. Is it spicy?
It’s flavorful, not fiery. You control the heat. Add extra chili powder if you like it hot.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Tofu, paneer, or even chickpeas are great alternatives.
4. Is brown sugar necessary?
It’s key for the sticky glaze. Honey or maple syrup are great swaps.
5. Can I skip the marinating step?
If you’re in a rush, yes. But even 15 minutes makes a difference.
6. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, but reduce the liquid slightly. Finish uncovered to let the sauce reduce and stick.
Conclusion for Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
Sticky Chicken is everything you love about comfort food deep flavor, easy process, and pure joy in every bite. It’s bold, sticky, creamy, and totally unforgettable. The kind of dish you’ll want to pass down or bring to your next gathering. Whether it’s a weeknight or a celebration, this is your go-to.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Sticky Chicken Tikka Masala
- Total Time: 35 minutes (active), 65 minutes including marinating
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This sticky chicken tikka masala is a bold and flavorful recipe with yogurt-marinated chicken, tomato puree, cream, and aromatic Indian spices, all finished in a rich and sticky sauce perfect for weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil or ghee
1 cup tomato puree
1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices. Add chicken and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add tomato puree and brown sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until thick and slightly caramelized.
Stir in cream and simmer for another 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens. Add butter for richness if desired.
Return chicken to the pan, stirring to coat in sauce. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is sticky.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and moisture. Coconut cream works great for a dairy-free option. Adjust chili powder to control the spice level. You can swap honey for brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch or Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: sticky chicken tikka masala, Indian chicken curry, easy chicken tikka, creamy tikka masala