Skip to Main Content
  • Find great deals at your local Traeger dealer  |Find a Store
Smoked Chicken Tikka Masala

Smoked Chicken Tikka Masala

By Dennis Prescott

Dennis The Prescott’s bold Chicken Tikka Masala recipe adds smoky, wood-fired flavor to this classic Indian curry dish.

Prep Time

30 Min

Cook Time

45 Min

Pellets

Mesquite

Ingredients

This recipe serves:

4

Activating this element will cause content on the page to be updated.
Units of Measurement:
Spice Mixture
6 Clove garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, finely diced
4 Teaspoon ground turmeric
2 Teaspoon garam masala
2 Teaspoon ground coriander
2 Teaspoon ground cumin
2 Teaspoon ground chile
Marinade
2 Pound chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch strips
1 Tablespoon kosher salt
1 Cup whole milk yogurt
Sauce
3 Tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
1 Medium onion, finely diced
1/4 Cup finely diced cilantro stems
6 cardamom pods, crushed
1 Pinch Salt
1/4 Cup tomato paste
1 Can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 Cup heavy whipping cream
Curry Lime Yogurt
1 1/2 Cup creamy yogurt
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Pinch Sea salt
main
cooked basmati rice, for serving
1 red chile, sliced, for garnish
1/2 Cup fresh cilantro, for garnish

Steps

  • 1

    Prepare the spice mixture by combining the garlic, ginger, and all the spices in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

  • 2

    For the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, yogurt, 1/2 the spice mixture, and kosher salt. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.

  • 3

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 450°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

    450 ˚F / 232 ˚C

  • 4

    For the Sauce: Heat a high-sided, oven-safe pan over medium heat and melt the ghee. Add the onion, cilantro stems, cardamom, and a pinch of salt, and cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.

  • 5

    Add the tomato paste and remaining spice mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the tomatoes and season with another pinch of salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes until thickened.

  • 6

    While the sauce is cooking, add the marinated chicken pieces to the grill and cook for 2 minutes per side, until just starting to turn beautifully golden brown.

    450 ˚F / 232 ˚C

    00:02

  • 7

    Remove and set aside.

  • 8

    Reduce Traeger temperature to 350℉.

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

  • 9

    Stir the heavy cream into the sauce mixture, then fold in the chicken.

  • 10

    Transfer the curry to the grill and cook, lid closed, for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the curry is thickened.

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

    00:40

  • 11

    For the Curry Lime Yogurt: While the chicken curry is on the grill, combine creamy yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, and sea salt in a small bowl and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

  • 12

    Divide the cooked basmati rice onto plates, then top with curry. Garnish with curry lime yogurt, fresh sliced chiles, and cilantro. Enjoy!

My Notes


In order to add notes for this recipe, you must log in or create an account.