Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet with creamy tomato sauce
Easy

Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet

(892)
25 min4330 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|October 1, 2024

All the incredible flavours of chicken tikka masala in a quick skillet dinner that takes just 25 minutes. No marinating, no grill, no tandoor oven — just a hot skillet, a handful of spices, and a creamy tomato sauce that coats tender chicken pieces perfectly. This is the cheat-code version of one of the world's most popular dishes.

indiantikkaskilletquickeasyweeknight

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

About This Recipe

The Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet is a celebration of vibrant flavors packed into a speedy dinner solution. This dish transforms traditional chicken tikka masala into a weeknight-friendly meal, ideal for busy Canadian families. With tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with warm spices like garam masala and turmeric, every bite is a comforting hug. It’s a dish that brings warmth and a hint of adventure to your table, allowing you to savor the essence of Indian cuisine without the fuss of marinating or grilling.

Perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence, this skillet dish can be on your table in just 25 minutes, making it easy to whip up after a long day. Canadian home cooks love this recipe not only for its speed but also for its versatility; serve it over fluffy basmati rice, with naan, or even with a side of roasted vegetables. The combination of spices and creamy sauce is sure to please everyone at the table, making it a family favorite in no time.

Tips for the Best Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet

To ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Cut your chicken into uniform cubes to promote even cooking. Adding the cream too soon can curdle it, so wait until the chicken is cooked through before stirring it in. Lastly, let the dish simmer gently after adding the cream to meld the flavors beautifully without overcooking the chicken.

What to Serve With It

This Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, perfect for scooping up the rich sauce. For a Canadian twist, consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber and yogurt salad to cut through the richness. A glass of chilled mango lassi can also complement the spices wonderfully, adding a refreshing note to the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out, gently warm the chicken tikka skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain its creamy texture. If you want to freeze it, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

330
Calories
32g
Protein
16g
Fat
14g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar6g
Sodium600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?+

Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, thighs can add more flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have garam masala?+

No worries! If you don’t have garam masala on hand, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. This will still give you that warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?+

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will add a lovely, tropical flavor while keeping the dish rich and creamy.

How can I adjust the spice level for kids?+

To make this dish milder for children, simply reduce the amount of paprika and eliminate any additional chili powders. You can also serve it with yogurt on the side to help cool the flavors.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?+

While fresh chicken is preferred for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it's fully thawed before cubing and cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.

Reviews

4.9 / 5 (892 reviews)
Justin R.
Sep 22, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Tyler D.
Oct 18, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Emily S.
Aug 12, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Michelle U.
May 6, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
5 min
Cook:
20 min
Total:
25 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Do not stir the chicken while searing — let it get proper colour on each side.
  • 2Full-fat cream is essential for the authentic creamy texture. Do not substitute with milk.
  • 3Add a tablespoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for restaurant-authentic flavour.

Variations

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving results.
  • Add spinach for a tikka-palak fusion.
  • Make it dairy-free with coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

International Chicken Recipes

Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet

Trust us — this Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet will become your new favourite.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Quick Chicken Tikka Skillet with creamy tomato sauce
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

You Might Also Like

Popular Recipes

More International Chicken Recipes

Learn More

Explore More