We absolutely LOVE Indian food in our house! There are so many favorites, but of all of them, I think this chicken tikka masala recipe takes the top spot! 

Finding a paleo, gluten free, dairy free version of chicken tikka masala can be tough! I worked and refined this recipe until it was exactly what I was craving… You’ll be surprised at how authentic this chicken tikka masala recipe tastes!! There are so many spices in this recipe- the mixture of flavors is truly divine! This recipe is Whole30 friendly- just serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. If we do serve it over rice, we prefer jasmine rice. But truly, both ways are delicious! Sometimes I’ve even just eaten the sauce in soup form- it’s just that good. 

This meal has become a staple in our house – it’s on our menu at least once per week because we love it so much! I hope this becomes a new, delicious go-to in your home as well!

I recently posted to the @Whole30Recipes page, and this chicken tikka masala recipe was probably my most popular recipe of all 21! SO many of you have made it and love it! If you make it, be sure to take a pic, post it to instagram, and tag me @oliveyouwhole!

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Paleo + Whole30 Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe


5 from 4 reviews

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 teaspoons ginger, peeled and minced
  • 4 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3 cups full fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
  • Prepared cauliflower rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Mix garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and cumin in a small bowl.
  2. Whisk 1 cup of the full fat coconut milk, salt, and half of spice mixture in a medium bowl. Add this mixture to a gallon plastic bag (or storage container of choice), add chicken, and ensure it’s fully submerged in the mixture. Cover and chill 4-6 hours. Cover and chill remaining spice mixture.
  3. Heat ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, tomato paste, cardamom, and red pepper flakes. Stir often for 5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft. Add remaining half of spice mixture and cook, continuing to stir, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes with juices. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring often until sauce thickens, 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add the entire sauce that’s in the pot to a blender. Add remaining 2 cups coconut milk and chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth.
  6. Return sauce back to the pot and add chicken and remaining marinade. Coat the chicken in the sauce, and simmer undisturbed until the chicken is fully cook and the sauce has thickened, about 20-30 minutes.
  7. Serve chicken and sauce over prepared cauliflower rice, and top with sprigs of cilantro.

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