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A bowl of creamy chicken tikka masala with coconut milk, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a side of naan bread.
FL Recipes

Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Milk (The Ultimate Creamy Recipe)

An incredibly creamy and flavorful chicken tikka masala recipe made with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free version of the classic dish. This foolproof recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 cup plain coconut yogurt, unsweetened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For the Tikka Masala Sauce
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or ghee
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1.5 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato passata or puree
  • 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk, unshaken
  • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) optional, but highly recommended
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with coconut yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, stirring for one minute until fragrant. Stir in the 1.5 tsp garam masala, cumin, coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric, and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Pour in the tomato passata and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and 1 tsp salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Allow it to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the crushed fenugreek leaves in the last minute of cooking. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 42gFat: 40gFiber: 4g

Notes

Don't Skip the Marinade: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk will result in a much thinner, less satisfying sauce. Do not substitute.
Don't Boil the Sauce: After adding the coconut milk, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause it to separate or curdle.
Keyword chicken tikka masala,coconut milk,dairy-free

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