When I first went gluten free, it was so hard to find recipes that cater to more than one food allergy or restriction. After that, making sure every single one of my recipes cater to people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or food allergies was so important to me! This gluten free chicken tikka masala recipe is gluten free, has a nut free option and has 2 different dairy-free options.
Indian recipes can be intimidating, but not this one! This one is made with minimal ingredients, has an easy time saving hack and comes together in less than 30 minutes. The best part is that this recipe takes less time than ordering take out! This is one of my favorite dish from my favorite indian restaurant, but its way better making it yourself at home, just like my gluten free chicken and sweet potato curry.
why you’ll love this allergy friendly recipe
- This gluten free chicken tikka masala recipe is perfect for anyone who loves indian food.
- It takes less time to make than ordering take out.
- You know exactly whats in this take-out inspired dish because you made it so you can feel safe eating it!
- This easy weeknight recipe will become a family favorite in no time.
- This great recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time to make dinner time easier.
- Using a store bought delicious tikka masala sauce is an easy way to save time in this recipe.
- This gluten free chicken tikka masala is made with simple ingredients to create the perfect savory flavors for this delicious dish.
- This makes for the perfect meal when you do not have a lot of time on the weeknights. The whole family will be asking for this dish again and again… even your picky eaters!
ingredients & substitutions
Tikka Masala Sauce: Pre-made traditional tikka masala for convenience and to save time. You can find many tikka masala sauces at your local grocery store in the refrigerator section or the international section. I like the ones from tasty bite or deep indian kitchen. You can’t really substitute this, but you can make your own by combining: butter, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, tumeric and heavy cream, coconut milk or dairy free sub. Recipe included in the notes section of the recipe card. Use a food processor or immersion blender for a creamy consistency.
Water: Thins the gluten free chicken tikka masala sauce. You can use chicken broth for more flavor.
chicken breast: Main protein. Can be replaced with tofu for a vegetarian option. Beef, chicken thighs, Shrimp or other protein would also work.
Cooked White Rice: Base of the dish. Any cooked grain like quinoa or brown rice would work. Use cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
Chopped Cashews: Adds a nutty crunch. Chopped peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can be used instead. Omit for nut free version.
Fresh Herbs: Adds freshness. Cilantro, parsley, or mint work well. You can use dried herbs in a pinch (1/2 teaspoon).
taste & texture
This gluten free chicken tikka masala is a flavorful combination of savory and creamy. The pre-made Tikka Masala sauce provides a warm, spiced tomato base. The chicken is tender and cooked through. The cashews add a satisfying crunch and a touch of richness. Fresh herbs bring a pop of freshness to balance the dish. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
directions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. On a cutting board, cut the chicken into 1″ pieces. Sauté the chicken pieces until mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You can cook for a little extra time if your chicken pieces are bigger.
Step 2
Add the Tikka Masala sauce and water to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
Step 3
While the sauce simmers, prepare your rice according to package instructions (if not already cooked).
Step 4
Once simmered, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped cashews and fresh herbs. Season the gluten free chicken tikka masala with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve over cooked white rice and enjoy!
expert tips & tricks
- You can make this chicken tikki masala into a slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe or an instant pot chicken tikka masala by just adjusting the cook time. Ingredients will remain the same.
- You can use a vindaloo sauce or butter chicken sauce for a different recipe variation.
- Add some chopped tomatoes to this gluten free chicken tikka masala for extra flavor.
- Combine dairy free yogurt and lemon juice to make an easy yogurt-marinated chicken. Marinate chicken for 3-4 hours before cooking.
- Option to season the gluten free chicken tikka masala with fenugreek leaves or fresh cilantro in top before serving.
- Serve the gluten free chicken tikka masala with gluten free naan.
recipe variations
- To make this gluten free chicken tikka masala a low carb recipe serve with cauliflower rice.
- To make this a vegan recipe, swap the chicken for tofu and make sure your sauce is vegan as well!
- Buy a tikka masala sauce made with coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free chicken tikka masala.
- If you make this creamy tomato based tikka masala sauce yourself, use a coconut cream,coconut yogurt, coconut based greek yogurt, dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk for a dairy free creamy sauce. You can also use cashew cream. Any of these make for the perfect non-dairy substitutes, it is just up to your personal preference.
- Omit cashews for nut free recipe.
serving, storing and meal prepping
Serve this Tikka Masala chicken over hot cooked rice.
For leftovers gluten free chicken tikka masala, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in single-serving portions for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
To meal prep the gluten free chicken tikka masala, prepare the chicken and cook the rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish with warmed sauce and fresh herbs when ready to eat.
Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?
If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along!
Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 jar Tikka Masala Sauce see notes below to make your own
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 lb chicken diced or cubed
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2-3 tbsp chopped cashews
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs cilantro, parsley, mint, or a combination
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced chicken until mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Tikka Masala sauce and water to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare your rice according to package instructions (if not already cooked).
- Once simmered, remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in the chopped cashews and fresh herbs.
- Serve over cooked white rice and enjoy!
Notes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, whisk in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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