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Tikka Masala Soup

September 19, 2024

We took classic Indian chicken tikka masala and turned it into a soup that is the definition of cozy. Slurping encouraged.

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speckled ceramic bowl of homemade tikka masala soup topped topped with fresh cilantro

A Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe That’s Cozy as Your Favorite Pair of Socks

Inspired by classic Indian chicken tikka masala, we dreamed up a soup recipe built around the iconic flavors of that dish. Say hello to a new weeknight favorite—chicken tikka masala soup! The warm and grounding flavors of garam masala, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon infuse the tikka masala sauce-inspired soup base. Coconut milk adds a velvety texture to the broth without a adding any dairy, making it Whole30-approved. Add this easy, healthy soup recipe to your weekly dinner rotation and your family will thank you!

white enamel pot of whole 30 approved tikka masala soup
hands scooping chicken out of a pot of tikka masala soup with a wooden spoon

What is Tikka Masala?

Tikka masala is a classic Indian dish you’ve probably heard of before. Juicy pieces of chicken are simmered in a tomato and yogurt or cream-based sauce with a slew of fragrant spices added. Garam masala is a key competent to the recipe and while there are countless variations of this spice blend, it is known for his warming qualities. A few spices are nearly always included in this classic Indian spice blend—black pepper, dried chilies, cinnamon, cardamon, and coriander, which gives the tikka masala a warm, earthy flavor.

bowl of tikka masala soup with a linen and two gold spoons

How to Make Tikka Masala Soup

This tikka masala soup comes together rather effortlessly and is truly, magically all the things—healthy, comforting and delicious.

  1. Make your kitchen smell heavenly by sautéing garlic and onion in coconut oil.
  2. Next, bloom the spices! This doesn’t mean planting them and waiting til spring. To “bloom” the spices means to warm the spices a bit over a relatively dry heat to awaken their fragrance. It’s often used in Indian cuisine, and this tikka masala soup is no exception, trust us on this one.
  3. Pour in chicken stock, coconut milk, and tomatoes. Inhale the intoxicating aroma as the soup simmers!
  4. Immersion blender, how we love you! Purée the soup until it’s lusciously creamy.
  5. Finish the tikka masala soup recipe with shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken—our favorite weeknight chicken soup shortcut!
speckled ceramic bowl of tikka masala soup topped with fresh cilantro
hand dipping fresh naan into a bowl of healthy tikka masala soup

Tools You’ll Need

Four Comforting, Healthy Soup Recipes

These favorite soup recipes are as comforting and healthy as this chicken tikka masala recipe.

speckled ceramic bowl of tikka masala soup with a blue linen

A Tikka Masala That Checks All the Boxes

Whole 30 approved? Creamy, hearty and hot? Check and check. If you make this chicken tikka masala soup, be sure to post a picture to Instagram and tag @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can celebrate your dinner win along with you. Happy eating!

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Tikka Masala Soup

  • Serves:  6
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  45 min
  • Calories:  325

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (not lite)
  • 1 kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 rotisserie chicken or 4 cups shredded chicken

Method

  1. Heat coconut oil over med-high heat in a heavy soup pot. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes then add garlic for 3 more minutes. Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Sauté for 3 minutes longer until spices are fragrant.
  2. Add to the pot, 2 cups of chicken stock, tomatoes and coconut milk. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Using an immersion blender, or stand blender purée soup until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and add shredded chicken.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 325
  • Protein 19 g
  • Carbohydrates 9 g
  • Total Fat 19 g
  • Dietary Fiber 3 g
  • Cholesterol 79 mg
  • sodium 806 mg
  • Total Sugars 6 g

Tikka Masala Soup

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • addie

    can we use diced tomatoes instead of crushed?

    Sure!

  • Ken

    Being that I serve tikka masala over basmati rice, I would add some cooked basmati rice to the soup also, giving it extra body.

    Would be delicious! Hope you enjoy!

  • Sharon

    Can the soup be frozen?

    We haven't personally tried it yet but it should work fine! Hope you enjoy Sharon!

  • Donna

    Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

    We haven't tried that but it would probably be good. Let us know if you give it a shot!

  • Jane

    Can you add Spinach to it? Is like to add more vegetables

    Sure!

  • Lisa

    This soup was amazing! We love masala and this soup was cooked in less than 30 minutes with one pot. We added jasmine rice and a couple tablespoons of Greek yogurt bc it was a little spicy for me but other than that it was perfect!

    Thanks Lisa, we are so glad you loved it!

  • Ann

    Oh my gosh, this soup is sooo delicious! I did add some chick peas to bulk it up a bit but the flavor was outstanding. My husband went back for seconds although he said he was full. This soup is definitely going into the regular rotation. Thanks so much for an easy but tasty recipe!

    Thanks Ann Marie, we are so happy you loved it! It's always so exciting when something makes rotation!

  • Ashley

    This dish is so yummy! My son, a picky eater, says it’s his favorite soup ever. We’ll be adding this recipe to our weeknight staples!

    Aw, that's so great to hear. So happy it's his favorite!

  • Clare

    So delicious! I made it as written with the exception of reducing the cayenne by for my kids’ delicate palates. It’s perfectly creamy and warming! Will definitely make it again.

    Thanks Clare, we are so glad you enjoyed it!

  • Sue

    It’s delicious, the first time I added some rice to each bowl with serving. The second time I added farro, it adds a nice texture. I topped with cilantro for those who like it lol. It goes great with some naan. I liked the mini naan dippers warmed up. Thanks for the recipe.

    Thanks Sue, we are so happy you loved it!