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If you often find yourself heading to your favorite local Indian spot for curry, you need to try this Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s likely healthier, has incredible flavor, and can be made using only a handful of pantry staple ingredients…that you may even have on hand. My secret is to blend up a quick homemade yellow curry, which becomes the base flavor. I also add coconut milk to the chicken, which keeps the masala creamy. It adds a hint of coconut flavor, which I find to be really nice with Indian cuisine. AND…the flavors get even better the next day, meaning leftovers are especially delicious!

overhead photo of Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala with towel in photo

We’re less than one week out from the release of Half Baked Harvest Super Simple. And today I’m sharing a recipe straight from the pages of the new cookbook! Some of you might recall, but I asked everyone on Instagram which recipe they’d like to see this week and the Tikka Masala won. It was a very close call between the TIkka Masala and Beef Bourguignon, but Masala won fair and square!

To be 100% honest, I’m not sure I’m really ready for the release of this cookbook. You guys, I am SO NERVOUS. I think even more nervous than the first cookbook, I just really want you all to love this book!! It’s very scary and I’ve had a nervous pit in my stomach for days now. But don’t take that wrong, because I am so excited too! I cannot wait to share this book with you all. My hope is that it brings to you so many new recipes to fall in love with.

And today, a sneak peek at one of my personal favorite recipes, the chicken Tikka Masala!! With homemade naan…of course.

PS. Barnes & Noble is selling signed copies

photo of Half Baked Harvest Super Simple cookbook

The Details.

This recipe is well, Super Simple!

Start with the curry paste. I have a hard time finding a really good yellow curry paste locally, so I decided to make my own. It takes only minutes to put together and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry right now.

I toss an onion, shallots, garlic, plenty of ginger, and a couple of spices into a blender (or food processor). Then I process it all together until a paste forms. No chopping, no weird ingredients, nothing fancy. Just simple and delicious.

The cool thing about this curry paste is that it lasts for up to a month in the fridge. So if you love making curry I’d recommend doubling the recipe and keeping a batch in the fridge for incredibly fast weeknight curries. Perfect for cold and cozy fall/winter days.

overhead photo of Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala in skillet

Now, onto the chicken.

Since the curry paste adds all the flavor, the chicken just needs to be marinated for thirty minutes in the paste. Oh, and add in some Greek yogurt too. This tenderizes the chicken and makes for a creamy sauce. If you’re really short on time, you can skip marinating and just move right onto cooking.

Tip: Before you start the chicken, make a pot of rice. You can’t have Tikka Masala without rice.

Then simmer the chicken on the stove with coconut milk, and tomatoes paste. Minutes later your Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala will be done. And your kitchen will smell amazing, like deliciously slowly simmered Indian food.

Again, super simple.

side angled photo of Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala in bowl with rice

So how does it taste?

SO GOOD. I know that the recipe feels simple and the steps are easy, but I promise, this tastes like real deal Chicken Tikka Masala…but with the slightest hint of coconut. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and is best served over steamed rice with warm naan for scooping up all that sauce.

I was so excited to have the chance to make this again that I even shot some new photos, fresh for the blog. I filmed a quick Instagram story video as well. That sauce is just so creamy and brightly colored that I had to capture it.

Also? Recreating this recipe from the cookbook was especially well-timed. My oldest brother is in town and this is one of his favorite Indian dishes.

My hope in sharing this book recipe today, is to get you all excited for the book’s upcoming release. And maybe, hopefully, to encourage you all to order it too!

If you’ve yet to preorder your copy, you can order a copy on Amazon, OR order a signed copy from Barnes & Noble. Also, if you order the book before December 20th enter your receipt information here, and immediately receive the bonus pack.

The book is out this Tuesday!! Are you all excited? Will you be making Tikka Masala tonight?!?

One final note, I just want to say thank you all so much for your outpouring of support. It’s the most wonderful thing. It means the world to me that you all are so excited to continue cooking with me daily. Your messages, comments, and emails are all read and heard. Just thank you SO MUCH!! I really can’t thank you enough!!

side angled close up photo of Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala with fork in bowl

If you make this coconut chicken tikka masala, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 993 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Curry Paste

Instructions

  • 1. To make the curry paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, shallot, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Pulse until a smooth paste forms, about 1 minute.
    2. To make the chicken. In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine 2 tablespoons of the curry paste, the chicken, and the yogurt. Seal the bag and massage the mixture into the chicken to cover completely. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to overnight.
    3. Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup to 1/2 cup (use to your taste) of the curry paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes more.
    4. Stir in the cilantro and serve the chicken over rice.

Notes

Curry Paste: You can double the curry paste and store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Alternately, you can use store-bought yellow curry paste. 
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overhead photo of Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala in bowl with rice

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am in the middle of eating this and had to stop and write a review because it’s THAT GOOD. I’m super picky about Tikka masala. I’ve tried tons of recipes, and this one is by far the best and so easy to make!!! I knew I could count on HBH! Thank you so much, I’ll definitely be making this again and again.

    1. Hi Rachel,
      Happy Sunday!! I love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for trying it out and sharing your feedback!! xTieghan

  2. 5 stars
    Normally I don’t leave reviews but I’ve tried a couple of tikka masala recipes and by far this is the most easiest without sacrificing taste. Is so delicious even my picky daughter loved it!!! It was definitely a hit!

    1. Hey Doris,
      Happy Friday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xx

    1. Hey Sam,
      Fantastic!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for trying it out! xTieghan

  3. This was as good as our local Indian restaurant! Delicious flavors. Super easy to make. I’ve tried a few tikka masala recipes and had ok results. This is my forever recipe! Thank you 🙂

    1. Hey Andrea,
      Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed!! Thanks so much for your kind message. Have the best week:) xTieghan

  4. 5 stars
    Just made this recipe tonight to have tomorrow during our Indian food night with friends! It’s so quick and easy! I did add more yogurt to mine and a few extra pieces of garlic and ginger!

    This dish is a delicious. I love that I can prep it a day before! I made extra paste so it will be an easy dish to make during the work week!

    Love it!

    1. Hey there,
      Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out!! xx

    1. Hey Yvonne,
      Yes, definitely!! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

    1. Hey there,
      Happy Sunday!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it!! ? xx

  5. 5 stars
    Oh! My! Gosh! DROOL! I literally cannot get over how easy this recipe was — I stayed away from making my own pan asian cuisine – Indian especially – for the longest time because I was intimidated by how unfamiliar I was with the spices and had it in my head that it was a long an arduous process. Not true! This was so simple and easy that I was able to cook it during my work day during a short break and it was quite seriously unbelievable!!! Thank you!

    1. Hey Nina,
      Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was a winner:) ?xx

  6. Hi Teighan!
    I love this recipe sooo much! It is one of favorites. Do you have any recommendation on what to substitute for the yogurt to make this dish dairy free? Thanks!

    1. Hi Mary! I’ve only made this recipe once but when I did I used coconut cream instead of yogurt! It was deliciously dairy free and SO creamy! I couldn’t even taste the coconut since I was heavy handed on the spices.

    2. Also, I forgot to add that what I meant by coconut cream is just the solid portion of a can of coconut milk. I usually just keep a can in the fridge and when you pop it open you’ll find that the coconut water and solids (cream) have separated.

    3. Hi Mary,
      Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a go:) Just use a dairy free yogurt! xTieghan

  7. I never ever leave comments on recipes but this was just THAT GOOD. I made a couple of changes such as quickly pan frying the chicken first and skipping the blending part of the curry paste, but other than that I followed the recipe. I currently have my plate of tikka masala right in front of me and could just not wait to leave a review. My whole family loved it and have already asked me to make it again LOL. THANK YOU THANK YOU for this incredible recipe, I can already tell it’s going to be a family favourite! I hope you have a great rest of your week! You deserve it!:)<3

    1. Hey there,
      Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Thanks so much for your kind message. Have the best weekend:) xT

    1. Hi Lianne,
      Sure, just cook on low for 6-8 hours. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan

      1. Hi Colleen,
        Sure, you could cook on low for 6-8 hours. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx

  8. 5 stars
    Grand Slam! My hubby LOVES this so much, he’s wanted it 5 out of 7 days! I added cauliflower, which was fantastic! Keep up making recipes … they are phenomenal!

    1. Hey Cathy,
      Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx

    1. Hey Paige,
      So sorry to hear this, was there anything you may have adjusted in the recipe? Let me know how I can help! xTieghan

  9. 5 stars
    This is the second or third time making this and we LOVE it! The curry paste is phenomenal and my husband always wants to sneak a little bit of it because it smells so good. We use pretty much all of it (we like spice) and it’s so good. The hardest part of all is waiting for the chicken to marinate because we just want to eat it right away!

  10. 5 stars
    Tieghan, you did it again!! This was so simple and so good for a weeknight meal! I didn’t have time to make the naan but definitely going to try that with it next time too! It’s a little spicy but so good!