By Vidya Reddy
Holistic Health Expert • 25+ Years in Ayurveda & Wellness • Avid Home Cook
Co-founder:Tea & Turmeric, Laguna Beach
Published: November 25, 2024
Updated: May 12, 2026
Cooking has always been my true passion, long before wellness became my profession. This recipe is where my two worlds meet.
A creamy Indian-inspired comfort food bake with tikka-spiced chicken, rich tomato cream sauce, and bubbling cheese
Growing up, our neighbor Mrs. Bouchard made the kind of baked mac and cheese everyone remembered. Years later, I started experimenting with Indian spices and realized those same comforting flavors worked beautifully with tikka-style chicken, garam masala, and a rich tomato cream sauce.
Quick Overview
This creamy Chicken Tikka Mac and Cheese combines tender yogurt-marinated chicken, warming Indian spices, rich tomato cream sauce, and bubbling baked cheese for a comforting Indian fusion dinner perfect for family meals and entertaining.
It combines creamy baked macaroni with bold Indian flavors for the ultimate comfort-food fusion dinner.
The GG Mix and Protein Mix used in this recipe are part of our Indian Made Easy Kit.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 Hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 Minutes | Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
• 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 3 tablespoons GG Mix, reconstituted with 6 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons Protein Mix
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Mac and Cheese
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1½ cups whole milk or evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 1 tablespoon GG Mix, reconstituted
• 1 tablespoon Protein Mix
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 cups strained tomato sauce
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Reconstitute: mix 1 tbsp gg mix with 2 tbsp of water and set aside for 20-30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, re-constituted GG Mix, Protein Mix, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces and mix well until fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just shy of al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions.
Drain and lightly toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken in batches so the pan is not overcrowded. Sear until browned on both sides and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Tikka Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and strained tomato sauce until smooth.
Add the GG Mix, Protein Mix, Garam Masala, Kashmiri chili powder, sugar, mustard powder, and salt.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
Gradually stir in most of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, reserving some for the topping. Mix until fully melted and smooth.
5. Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a large baking dish.
Spread half the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and top with half the cooked chicken. Repeat with the remaining pasta and chicken.
Top with the reserved cheese.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden-brown cheesy crust.
Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Why This Chicken Tikka Mac and Cheese Works
• Yogurt-marinated chicken stays tender and flavorful
• GG Mix adds deep ginger-garlic flavor without extra prep
• Tomato cream sauce balances richness with warming spice
• Cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy, stretchy texture
• Kashmiri chili adds warmth and color without overwhelming heat
Tips for the Best Tikka Mac and Cheese
• Do not overcook the pasta before baking
• Cook the chicken in batches for better browning
• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce
• Let the mac and cheese rest before serving so the sauce thickens slightly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe spicy?
It has warmth and depth but is not overly spicy. Kashmiri chili powder adds color and mild heat rather than intense spice.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower, paneer, or sautéed mushrooms.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
What is GG Mix?
GG Mix is a ginger-garlic blend used in many Indian recipes for quick flavor building.
What is Protein Mix?
Protein Mix is my amma amma's (grandmas) recipe, a one-spice wonder blend of warming spices made for cooking non-veg curries like chicken curry, meat korma, keema, and lamb. It's part of our Indian Made Easy Kit (IME LINK)
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during baking.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Large elbow or penne hold the sauce best
Where can I buy the Indian Made Easy Kit?
You can order the Indian Made Easy Kit directly on our website. It includes the GG Mix, Protein Mix, and everything you need to make bold Indian flavors at home.
Vidya's Notes
The marinade is where the flavor starts. Do not rush it. Even 1 hour in the fridge makes a noticeable difference, but if you can do 4 hours you will taste it in every bite.
Cook the chicken in batches. I know it takes longer but if you crowd the pan the chicken steams instead of sears and you lose that caramelized flavor that makes the whole dish.
Freshly shredded cheese melts into the sauce much better than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating on it that makes the sauce grainy. It is worth the extra effort.
This reheats beautifully the next day with a splash of milk stirred in to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy baked mac and cheese pairs well with:
• a crisp green salad
• roasted vegetables
• masala chai
• cooling cucumber raita
Let's Stay Connected
For more globally inspired recipes and handcrafted spice blends, come visit us anytime at Tea & Turmeric
Cooking has always been about connection for me. Family, travel, and the meals that stay with you for decades. Follow along on Instagram @teanturmeric for more recipes, wellness tips, and a peek into my kitchen.
Want to go deeper? Read our blog.
Listen to The Tea on Wellness Podcast.
Got a question or want to share how this one turned out? Email me and the team at hello@teaandturmeric.com
