If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala, you know how rich, creamy, and flavorful it is—a comforting Indian dish with just the right balance of spices and a luscious tomato-based sauce. But did you know you can easily recreate this dish at home using Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce and a few simple ingredients?
This Easy Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe brings together convenience and authentic taste. By using Trader Joe’s Chicken Masala sauce as a shortcut, you can make a meal that rivals restaurant-quality versions without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is your go-to solution.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to make a quick and delicious Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala at home
- Pro tips for enhancing flavor and texture
- Variations to suit different dietary needs
- Answers to common questions about Chicken Tikka Masala Trader Joe’s
Let’s get started!
How to make Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this easy Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (for marinating)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each of grated ginger and minced garlic)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tspgaram masala
- ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
For the Masala Sauce:
- 1 jar Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee (for extra richness)
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a creamy texture)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
Optional Sides:
- Steamed basmati rice or Trader Joe’s frozen garlic naan
- Fresh cucumber raita or a simple side salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter or ghee and sauté chopped onions until they turn soft and golden.
- Pour in Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, coating each piece evenly.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add sugar for balance, or more chili powder for heat).
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or Trader Joe’s naan.
Tips for the Best Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness
Chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful, while chicken breasts can sometimes dry out. - Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor
If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the spices’ infusion. - Sear the Chicken Well
Achieving a slight char on the chicken pieces enhances the smoky, restaurant-style taste. - Use Ghee Instead of Butter
Ghee adds richness and authenticity to the dish. - Simmer the Sauce
Letting the sauce cook for a few minutes before adding the chicken helps enhance the depth of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Basmati Rice – Light and fluffy rice pairs perfectly with the creamy masala sauce.
- Trader Joe’s Garlic Naan – Warm and buttery naan makes the perfect accompaniment.
- Cucumber Raita – A cooling yogurt-based dip balances the spices in the dish.
- Mango Chutney – Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the spice.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Vegetarian Version – Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
- Extra Spicy – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a sliced green chili for more heat.
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut yogurt and coconut milk instead of dairy-based ingredients.
Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives
If you need to make adjustments based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some great alternatives for this Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala recipe:
1. Protein Substitutes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas. Paneer keeps it creamy, while tofu or chickpeas add plant-based protein.
- Seafood Option: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a unique seafood twist. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Other Meats: If you prefer, turkey or lamb can replace chicken, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
2. Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Yogurt Substitute: Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt for marination. This keeps the texture while being dairy-free.
- Heavy Cream Substitute: Use coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the rich texture without dairy.
- Butter/Ghee Substitute: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
3. Sauce Alternatives
- Homemade Tikka Masala Sauce: If you don’t have Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce, make your own by blending:
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1 tspgaram masala
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & sugar to taste
4. Spice Substitutes
- If you’re missing garam masala, mix: ½ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cloves, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Instead of red chili powder, use paprika for mild heat or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
5. Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Options
- Instead of naan, serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- For thickening the sauce, use almond flour instead of regular flour.
FAQs
Can I use Trader Joe’s frozen chicken tikka masala instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, Trader Joe’s frozen chicken masala is a great alternative. Just heat and serve with rice or naan.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the onions and chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What’s the difference between Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce and homemade sauce?
Trader Joe’s tikka masala sauce is a shortcut that already has tomatoes, cream, and spices blended in. A homemade version typically involves fresh tomatoes, heavy cream, and a spice blend cooked from scratch.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This Easy Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Using Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Sauce as a base saves time while still providing an authentic taste. Whether served with basmati rice or naan, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Give it a try and let us know—Did this recipe satisfy your craving for Chicken Tikka Masala? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Want more delicious Indian recipes? Check out our best homemade curry recipes!
