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15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken (shredded, about 4 cups meat; skin and bones discarded); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil (avocado or canola); 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced, about 1 cup); 4 cloves garlic (minced or grated, about 1 tbsp); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (finely grated); 1 can (15 oz / 425 g tomato puree or passata); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water; 1 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or 1/2 tsp sweet paprika + 1/4 tsp cayenne); 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste based on rotisserie seasoning); 1/2 tsp granulated sugar or honey; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi, crushed between palms); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Prep 5 mins

Cook 10 mins

Total 15 mins

Yield 4 servings

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Recipe development note: This recipe was developed using culinary research and established cooking techniques. TrendyTadka does not operate a physical test kitchen, so results can vary with ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Transform store-bought rotisserie chicken into a rich, velvety chicken tikka masala in just 15 minutes using pantry spices, canned tomato puree, and cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Fast: Ready from start to finish in just 15 minutes.
Mainstream Supermarket Ingredients: Made entirely with staples available at Walmart, Target, Kroger, Costco, or Trader Joe’s.
Balanced Flavor: Bold, authentic aromatic spices engineered for effortless weeknight cooking.
Approachable Method: Clear, step-by-step instructions designed specifically for everyday home kitchens.

Key Technique

Blooming ground spices in butter and oil, followed by reducing tomato puree until the oil separates (bhuna stage) to remove raw canned acidity.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1

Melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir constantly for 30 to 45 seconds to bloom the spices in the warm fat without scorching.

Step 4

Pour in the tomato puree, chicken broth, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a lively simmer. Cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and tiny droplets of oil appear around the perimeter.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and gently fold into the sauce.

Step 6

Simmer gently on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is heated completely through to at least 165°F (74°C). Do not boil rapidly after adding cream.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter and crushed kasuri methi. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with warm garlic naan or steamed basmati rice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce tastes too sour or acidic

Canned tomato brands vary in acidity. Stir in an additional 1/2 teaspoon of sugar or honey, or add another tablespoon of heavy cream to mellow the sharp tomato edge.

Sauce is too thick

Rotisserie chicken continues absorbing liquid as it rests. Whisk in 2 to 4 tablespoons of warm chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Chicken is dry or stringy

Rotisserie breast meat dries out if boiled hard. Ensure heat is turned to low before adding chicken, and simmer only until heated through (3-4 minutes).

Storage & Reheating

Cooked poultry must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) when reheated, per USDA guidelines. Simmering in hot sauce for 4-5 minutes achieves this safely. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water until piping hot throughout (165°F / 74°C).

TrendyTadka Editorial