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Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)

Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)

By Mona - Far From The Farm
August 7, 2026
Easy Batch Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala with a creamy dairy-free curry sauce, tender chicken and warm British curry house flavor!
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Makes: 6 ( 4 - 6 )
Approximate cost $10
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinading Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 ( 4 - 6 )
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Indian
Calories: 213
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

First Marinade
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces - or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp ginger puree
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Second Marinade
  • 1/2 cup thick Greek-style coconut yogurt
  • 3 tbsp tikka seasoning blend
Coconut Tikka Masala Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced - fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup evaporated coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • Glass food storage container or glass dish with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Silicone spatula
  • small bowl
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken well and cut it into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place the chicken in a glass food storage container or glass dish.
  2. Add the First Marinade: Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, ginger puree, and salt. Mix until every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
    Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
    Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)
  3. Add the Coconut Yogurt Marinade: Add the thick coconut yogurt and tikka seasoning blend. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is completely coated.
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight gives the best flavor.
  4. Cook the Chicken and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add the marinated chicken, all of the remaining marinade, and the diced onion. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onion has softened.
    Do not heavily brown the chicken, you want to keep it nice and soft.
  5. Add the Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and stir continuously until it has completely blended into the chicken and marinade.
    Cook for about 1 minute.
    Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)
  6. Add the Coconut Milk and Sugar: Pour in the evaporated coconut milk and add the sugar.
    Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
    Stir the slurry into the curry a little at a time. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes after each addition before adding more.
    Stop once the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
    Easy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free)
  8. Serve: Serve hot with fluffy white rice, Garlic White Rice, warm naan bread, or your favorite curry night sides.

Notes

  • Chicken breast and chicken thighs both work well.
  • Trim chicken thighs carefully before cutting.
  • Use thick Greek-style coconut yogurt, not thin drinking-style yogurt.
  • Add all of the marinade to the skillet with the chicken.
  • Marinate for at least 4 hours after adding the coconut yogurt. Overnight is best.
  • The sugar balances the tomato and coconut flavors.
  • Add the slurry gradually. You may not need all of it.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the coconut milk.
  • Check all packaged ingredients for dairy if cooking for an allergy.
 

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat gently until piping hot.
  • Add a small splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 312mgPotassium: 412mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 128IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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