Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tikka Masala

When I first went gluten free, dairy free and almond free, it was so hard to find indian restaurants that were able to ensure me their dishes met my dietary needs. There was always cross contamination or yogurt used and It made me nervous so I started making them at home instead! This gluten free chicken tikka masala recipe is an easy gluten free dinner recipe. It is also dairy free.

Indian recipes can be intimidating, but not this one! This recipe 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. It is an easy one pan recipe and leave minimal dishes for clean up after dinner, like this easy chicken taco rice casserole and this chicken 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…. like me!
• It takes less time to make than ordering take out. I hate waiting over an hour for a meal I could have easily made myself.
• You know exactly whats in this take-out inspired dish because you made it so you can feel safe eating it! No stressing out after you eat it if you are going to feel sick or have a stomach ache. I’m always stressing after eating take out and wondering if it was 100% gluten free.
• ​This great recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time to make dinner time easier. I love having left overs the next day to make dinner time easier.
• Using a store bought delicious tikka masala sauce is an easy way to save time in this recipe. When I don’t have time to make a tikka masala sauce from scratch I use a store bought one that is just as good.
• This gluten free chicken tikka masala is made with simple ingredients to create the perfect savory flavors for this delicious dish. No going to the grocery store with a list of 100 items or more! Thats my biggest pet peeve.

ingredients & substitutions

Tikka Masala Sauce: I ust a Pre-made tikka masala from a jar for convenience and to save time. My recipes are all based on time saving hacks and 30 minute meals so a jarred sauce is your best friend here. 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. If I make my own I like to make a big batch and freeze individual portions of it so I can pull one out every time I want this dish.

Water: I use this to thin out the gluten free chicken tikka masala sauce. You can use chicken broth for more flavor.

chicken breast: I use chicken breasts because it is the leanest option. If you don’t like chicken I suggest replacing with tofu for a vegetarian option. Beef, chicken thighs, Shrimp or other protein would also work!

Rice: Any kind of cooked rice works. Leftover rice is perfect and honestly, its easiest if you ask me. You can use brown rice, cauliflower rice, regular white rice, long grain, instant rice or standard uncooked rice. If cooking the rice on the stovetop, use chicken broth or beef broth instead of water for extra flavor. You can use microwavable rice or frozen rice too! I like those the best because it saves SO MUCH time. No rice? Use quinoa instead!

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).

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

• Make this chicken tikki masala the the slow cooker or an instant pot! Just adjust the cook time. Ingredients will remain the same. 
• I like to switch up this recipe and 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. 
• I 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. 
• I like to serve the gluten free chicken tikka masala with gluten free naan, of course! 

recipe variations 

• To make this gluten free chicken tikka masala a low carb recipe, I serve with cauliflower rice. 
• To make this a vegan recipe, I 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 I make this creamy tomato based tikka masala sauce myself I 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

I serve this Tikka Masala chicken over hot cooked rice. 

For leftovers gluten free chicken tikka masala, I store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in single-serving portions for longer storage. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. 

To meal prep the gluten free chicken tikka masala, I 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! 

Love this recipe? You can sign up here to receive easy meal plans, exclusive new recipes and updates!