This paleo chicken tikka masala is a healthier version of the popular Indian curry dish. It’s rich and creamy, yet dairy-free and it’s full of nourishing ingredients like turmeric, coconut milk, spinach and cranberries. Serve over cauliflower rice, veggies or regular rice if you like. This recipe is Whole30 and keto-friendly with a small modification.
Chicken tikka masala and butter chicken are probably two of the most popular Indian curries, and this dish is my adaptation and tribute to both of them. I wanted to make a paleo version, so it’s rich and creamy, yet dairy-free and gluten-free. It’s like the healthier version of the classic.
This is a great make-ahead dish and can be served with riced cauliflower or other veggies. The heat level is mild, but feel free to omit or reduce the amount of diced chilli used to make it milder.
Delicious. The whole family enjoyed this one and trust me, that is very rare!
We’ve made this a few times and I keep meaning to write a review as it’s a really great recipe and incredibly simple. We substitute the spinach for kale (as we have a glut of that in the garden!), which works really well. I now make up big batches and freeze portions for the evenings that we don’t fancy cooking, as it’s a real treat. It doesn’t stay in the freezer long!
★★★★★ – Sarah
Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala
I often get asked this so here we go. It’s easy to confuse butter chicken and chicken tikka masala as they look and taste somewhat similar. But, on closer inspection, you will be able to tell the difference. Butter chicken is a dish actually originating from India and was invented as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken. It’s made with spiced tomato-based sauce cooked with butter and often cream. It’s often redder than orange in colour and is milder and sweeter.
Chicken tikka masala, on the other hand, is a British adaptation. There is no one recipe that defines the truly authentic tikka masala but similarly to butter chicken, it’s made with marinated, often grilled chicken, lots of spices, tomatoes, cream or coconut cream. It has more coriander and is more orange in colour. It’s less buttery in flavour.
Both are delicious and if you like one, you will most certainly enjoy the other.
Chicken Tikka Masala Nutrition
My paleo chicken tikka masala is full of nourishing ingredients, such as turmeric spice with its anti-inflammatory properties, satiating coconut milk, vitamin-rich spinach, tomatoes, cranberries and coriander. Chicken, of course, is a great source of protein. Even though this dish is made with coconut milk, it’s not super high in calories but is filling due to fat and protein content.
There is no added sugar except for dried cranberries, which can be omitted for those doing Whole30 or keto diets. You will find the full nutritional breakdown with macros and micros in the recipe card below.
How To Make Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala
You will find the full list of ingredients, instructions and nutritional breakdown further below but here are some tips on ingredients and how to make this curry dish.
- I used chicken breast meat in this recipe, but you can easily use chicken thighs, turkey, prawns or fish. For a completely vegetarian version, I would use a mix of pumpkin or sweet potato, carrots, carrots, mushrooms and chickpeas or tofu if you eat those.
- I used full-fat canned coconut milk with 60% coconut content. Make sure to shake the coconut milk before adding to the curry, or scoop out the thicker part for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Spinach can be replaced with chard, kale, broccoli or any other greens you have on hand. Cranberries add a lovely sour-sweet touch but can be omitted or replaced with some dried sultanas or diced apricots.
- The spices used in this dish should be readily available in most supermarkets. Garam masala is an Indian spice blend and can be purchased in most supermarkets. It’s fantastic in curries and stews and is great to have in the pantry.
- I used a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness, but this can be omitted if you’re avoiding all sweeteners at the moment.
- Arrowroot powder or flour is used to thicken the sauce. It can be omitted, or tapioca flour could also be used for this.
Making The Curry
Once you’ve sauteed onions and chili, the chicken is added together with garlic, ginger and spices. You need to cook the spices off for a minute so they can release their aromas. Then add the liquid ingredients and cook the curry.
Finish the curry by adding the spinach and cranberries right at the end. The sauce is thickened with some arrowroot powder. You can also use tapioca flour, cornflour, rice flour and so on. Simply mix it with some of the cooking broth and return back to the curry right at the end.
I served chicken tikka masala with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal. You can make some regular rice or other vegetables to go with it.
To prepare cauliflower rice, I finely diced half a head of cauliflower (you can use a mini food processor for this) and then pan-fried it in a little coconut oil for a minute or two – literally to heat through. White rice is also fine if you’re including it. You can also make my broccoli rice for something a little different.
More Delicious Curry Recipes
Homemade Japanese Chicken Curry
Quick & Easy Chicken Pumpkin Curry
15-Minute Chicken Curry In A Hurry
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 red chilli long one, deseeded and finely diced
- 4 medium chicken breasts diced (about 550 g / 1.2 lb total)
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 3-4 medium cloves of garlic grated
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1.5 teaspoon coriander seed powder
- 1.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce add a little more salt, if not using
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice lime juice or apple cider vinegar can also be used
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- 1 cup diced tomatoes tinned
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 4 large handfuls baby spinach or chopped English spinach
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries omit for Whole30 and keto
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or tapioca flour
- Fresh coriander/cilantro for garnish
- Cauliflower for making 'cauli rice'
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chilli and cook for 2 minutes, stirring a few times.
- Add the chicken and stir for a minute. Then add the ginger and garlic and stir through again.
- Add the spices and salt, and stir for 20-30 seconds to release the aromas.
- Add the fish sauce, lemon juice, honey (if using), chopped tinned tomatoes, water and coconut milk and stir through.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium and cook for 15 minutes, covered with a lid.
- After 15 minutes, add the cranberries and cook uncovered for a further 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the spinach and stir through for 20-30 seconds, until it's wilted.
- Scoop some of the sauce to a small bowl and add the arrowroot powder/flour. Stir until dissolved and add back to the curry. Remove from heat and stir through - this will thicken the sauce slightly.
Notes
Nutrition
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Beautiful! My partner enjoyed the dinner I cooked tonight 🙂 really nice addition of cranberries and spinach for a bit of change… I’d recommend this recipe and will cook again with other family members 😉
Is your garam masala a northern or southern Indian mix?
Not sure, it didn’t specify on my packet. I am sure you can use either and it would still work.
Great recipe! So quick and easy, good alternative to your wonderful Dahl recipe that I’ve made often recently. I have to make without onion and garlic, but use substitute of green parts of spring onions and garlic infused olive oil.
I like to bulk out the veggies in these for extra fibre and nutrition.
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes on your site
You’re welcome Alice! Thank you for the kind words.
Lots of spices, Lots of flavor! I love all the detail you submitted and not to mention the alternatives! Thank you, it was a hit!! I used half chipotle from a can as I my groecer store was not carrying at this time. I didn’t have to use arrowroot but I was prepared with tapioca flour in case. It was a perfect consistency however I would try it in the future b/c Im sure it will be delicious thicker..I love my new spice which I had to buy Garam Masala.. I 100% recommend this recipe!!
I made this for dinner last night and it was DELICIOUS. Also very easy. Thank you Irena!
We’ve made this a few times and I keep meaning to write a review as it’s a really great recipe and incredibly simple. We substitute the spinach for kale (as we have a glut of that in the garden!), which works really well. I now make up big batches and freeze portions for the evenings that we don’t fancy cooking, as it’s a real treat. It doesn’t stay in the freezer long!
Thanks Sarah 🙂 I am glad it’s become a go-to recipe for you. Kale is a great alternative!
Delicious. The whole family enjoyed this one and trust me, that is very rare!
Great tasty and SIMPLE dish. I made a small tweak and used 50g of milled cashews to thicken the sauce – rather than the arrowroot.
I never go wrong with your wonderful recipes. You make eating Paleo really fun! This was absolutely superb! I changed a few things. I used half an Anaheim pepper because they are milder and I can’t handle super spicy foods. I used a half cup of cashew milk and a half cup of chicken bone broth because I can’t digest coconut milk. I was out of spinach so I used one sweet potato diced, instead. I cooked it in my slow cooker for two hours on low. It was so delicious that I shared the recipe with my Vegan son who loves to cook and will leave out the chicken and add more veggies. I could eat this every day and never get tired of it. Thanks so much!
I made this tonight and it was sooo delicious. I substituted white wine vinegar for the apple cider, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Because there is only the two of us, I am very pleased we can have the leftovers tomorrow.
Will most definitely be making this again.
Thank you! Yes, most vinegar types would work here. Enjoy those leftovers 🙂 Irena
Can the dried cranberries used in this recipe be replaced by fresh cranberries? I have an abundance of whole cranberries stored in my freezer, so I’m always on the lookout for recipes that incorporate that sweet-tart taste. If I were to sub fresh for dried, would one tablespoon of minced, fresh cranberries work?
I loved this recipe. There is such a depth of flavor. I didn’t need to add thickening at the end. Maybe I cooked each step longer than directed? I was confused on whether or not to use the juice that is in the tinned tomatoes so I just used the tomato pieces. Maybe this is why I didn’t need any thickening? I will definitely save this recipe.
I use the whole lot – piece and juices. And you’re right, not using the liquid is what kept your curry thicker. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Best curry I’ve ever made
Thanks, Jared. That’s a very nice compliment and much appreciated 🙂 Irena