One Pan Tikka Masala

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like One Pan Tikka Masala. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. The blend of spices dancing in the air was not just inviting; it had a way of telling stories, connecting us to the rich culinary traditions of India. Cooking with vibrant spices like turmeric and garam masala, the colors of the dish mirrored the warmth it brought to my home. It quickly became a favorite, a regular at our family dinners that had everyone asking for more. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this dish always seems to find its way to the table. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need for One Pan Tikka Masala

When it comes to making One Pan Tikka Masala, the ingredients play a vital role in achieving that authentic flavor profile. Each component brings its own unique characteristics to the dish, creating a symphony of taste. Key players include aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and creamy yogurt, all working together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
• 1-1/2 tablespoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to preference)
• 2 pounds 9 ounces bone-in chicken thighs (see note 1)
• Salt to taste
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving if desired)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (see note 2)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Cilantro (optional finishing touch)
• Naan (warmed or charred, for serving, see note 3)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Making This One Pan Tikka Masala

Creating One Pan Tikka Masala is as enjoyable as the dish itself. The process might seem a bit detailed, but I promise it’s straightforward and rewarding! Each step builds upon the last, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as you go. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious meal.

1. Begin by combining the spice mix ingredients in a bowl. You’ll want to stir everything together and divide the mix in half. This blend will provide a wonderful depth of flavor for your chicken later on.
2. Next, remove the skin from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken generously with salt—this is important for flavor. Take a large resealable bag and place the chicken inside along with Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and half of the spice mix. Seal the bag tightly and knead it to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if you can, aim for up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
3. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks. This is where all the magic will happen!
4. Now, in a large liquid measuring cup (or directly in the baking pan), whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients, skipping the cilantro, naan, and rice for now. This includes the tomato paste, chicken broth, and the rest of your spice mix. Feel free to season to taste—adding more salt if desired.
5. Once your chicken is well marinated, remove it from the bag and place it in the prepared pan, skin-side up. Spoon any remaining marinade from the bag onto the chicken. This will enhance the flavor while it bakes.
6. Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. After about 30 minutes, stir the sauce around the chicken and spoon it over the top every 5 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the pan from the oven. You’ll want to stir the sauce around the chicken again. If you’re using frozen peas, sprinkle them in now and gently stir everything together. You can also add fresh cilantro at this point if you like.
8. Serving time! Enjoy the One Pan Tikka Masala warm over a bed of fluffy rice with warmed naan. To bring everything together, cut the remaining lemon into wedges for a refreshing squeeze over your dish—trust me, it elevates the flavors wonderfully!

Tips for Success

To ensure your One Pan Tikka Masala turns out perfect every time, here are some valuable tips:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast to the spices.
• Ingredient adjustments: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Serving suggestions: For a more authentic experience, serve with basmati rice or jeera rice.

What Goes Well With This One Pan Tikka Masala

When serving One Pan Tikka Masala, there are numerous options to enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic pairings:

• Naan: Serve warmed or charred naan to scoop up the delicious sauce. You can find mini naan or traditional naan in most grocery stores.
• Rice: A fluffy serving of basmati rice is a classic pairing that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
• Salads: A refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing can complement the heat from the spices beautifully.
• Raita: A cooling cucumber raita can provide a lovely contrast to the dish’s warmth and spice.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or during festive occasions like Ramadan, where sharing a meal is cherished.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, One Pan Tikka Masala is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and heartwarming aromas. It’s the comfort food we all crave and can easily make at home. I encourage you to try making this dish tonight and see how it brings joy to your dining table.

One Pan Tikka Masala

Craving comfort food? One Pan Tikka Masala fits the bill with its creamy, spiced goodness. This easy weeknight dinner will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for sharing, it’s a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 3 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger finely minced
• 1.5 tablespoons turmeric ground
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin ground
• 2 teaspoons coriander ground
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to preference
• 2.5 pounds chicken thighs bone-in
• Salt to taste
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt plain
• 1 lemon plus lemon wedges for serving if desired
• 3 tablespoons butter unsalted, melted
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup peas frozen, optional
• Cilantro optional finishing touch
• Naan warmed or charred, for serving
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

 

• Combine spice mix ingredients in a bowl. Stir and divide the mix in half.
• Remove skin from chicken thighs and pat them dry. Season with 3/4 tsp salt. Place chicken in a large resealable bag with Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and half the spice mix. Knead the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate 20 minutes up to 24 hours (longer = better flavor).
• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously. In a large liquid measuring cup, or directly into the baking pan, whisk together pan sauce ingredients (except cilantro, naan, and rice) and remaining spice mix. Season to taste (I add 3/4 tsp salt).
• Remove chicken from the marinade bag and place it smooth side up in the prepared pan. Spoon any remaining marinade from the bag onto the chicken. Bake for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir the sauce around the chicken and spoon it over the top every 5 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and stir the sauce around the chicken. Sprinkle optional frozen peas into the sauce and gently stir. Add fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve over rice with warmed naan. Cut a lemon into wedges to serve on the side (so good!) Enjoy warm!

Notes

• Stovetop charred naan: Spray naan with cooking spray. Char over an open flame. Cover with a kitchen towel after.
• Microwave warmed naan: Wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave 10–15 seconds. Cover with a kitchen towel.
• Alternative: Use mini naan and pop in the toaster (e.g., Stonefire® mini naan).

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Indian Dinner, One Pan Tikka Masala, Tikka Masala Recipe