Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole combines the rich, aromatic flavors of classic Indian cuisine with the cheesy, bubbly goodness of a comforting casserole. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, this is the one.

We’ve transformed the beloved curry into an easy-to-make baked dish that’s perfect for busy families. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy, perfectly spiced tikka masala sauce, layered with fluffy basmati rice, and baked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.

Why This Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. It captures the essence of what makes a meal truly satisfying.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The sauce is a rich blend of tomatoes, cream, and a fragrant mix of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. It tastes complex but is surprisingly simple to put together.
• Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious casserole in the oven in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a hectic evening.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. You can assemble it in the morning or even the day before, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Family-Friendly: The spice level is mild and comforting, making it a favorite even for picky eaters. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors in a familiar format. For more kid-friendly ideas, check out our list of kid-approved chicken recipes.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Creamy Chicken Filling

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Basmati Rice: Cooked basmati rice forms the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Tikka Masala Sauce: A creamy blend of tomato sauce, yogurt or heavy cream, and classic Indian spices. You can use a high-quality jarred sauce to save time or make your own.
• Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic base for any great curry.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty kick.
• Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander are the stars of the show.

For the Cheesy Topping

• Mozzarella Cheese: For that perfect, gooey cheese pull.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a slightly sharp, savory flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro: For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to garnish at the end.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Making this Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect bake every time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you love this creamy style, our Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is another must-try.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked basmati rice with the chicken tikka masala mixture. Stir gently until the rice is evenly coated.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Tikka Masala Casserole

Want to take your casserole from great to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: For the best texture, use rice that is fully cooked but still firm. Day-old, refrigerated rice works exceptionally well as it’s slightly drier and holds its shape better.
• Toast Your Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, briefly toast the dry spices in the skillet for about 30 seconds before adding the chicken. This awakens their essential oils and makes them more aromatic.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest sauce, use full-fat yogurt or heavy cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes curdle or result in a thinner sauce.
• Broil for a Golden Top: If you like your cheese extra brown and crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! This is a great trick used in our popular Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A side of warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber and tomato salad (kachumber) adds a refreshing crunch. And if you’re looking for a tasty bread side, our Garlic Butter Breadsticks are always a crowd-pleaser.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring our other easy and flavorful dinner options. From one-pan meals to other comforting casseroles, there’s always something new to discover for your dinner table.

Rate and Share!

We hope you love this Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole recipe as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest!

Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole Recipe

FL Recipes

Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

This Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, combining tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce with fluffy basmati rice, all baked under a layer of gooey, melted cheese. Easy, flavorful, and family-friendly!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: fusion, Indian

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Casserole

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 inch Ginger freshly grated
• 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Salt or to taste
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• 15 oz Tomato Sauce one can
• 1 cup Heavy Cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 4 cups Cooked Basmati Rice
• 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked basmati rice with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 35gFat: 30gFiber: 3g

Notes

Time-Saving Tip: Use a high-quality jarred tikka masala sauce to make this recipe even faster.
Spice it Up: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices for a spicier kick.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keyword baked chicken,chicken casserole,tikka masala

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