When it comes to savoring bold flavors, few dishes compare to chicken tikka masala. Add in some homemade garlic naan, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for any occasion. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its rich, spicy taste but also in its universal appeal.
You can pair it with steamed basmati rice or fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. The possibilities are endless. Now, let’s dive deeper into this culinary adventure.
I still remember the first time I tasted chicken tikka masala. The warmth of the spices wrapped around me like a cozy blanket on a cold evening. It was at a small restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, where the aroma wafting from the kitchen made my mouth water. I walked away with a full belly and a craving that lingered long after I left. Now, I can recreate that feeling in my own kitchen with this easy chicken tikka masala recipe, paired with fluffy stove-top garlic naan.
I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you’re not just following a recipe but engaging with flavors and textures. Trust me; the joy of cooking this dish is as satisfying as indulging in it.
What is Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan?
Easy chicken tikka masala is a simplified version of the traditional Indian dish featuring marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, finished with creamy coconut milk or heavy cream. This dish is comfort food at its finest. To accompany it, we whip up stove top garlic naan—a soft, pillowy flatbread that’s perfect for scooping up that delicious masala.
Did you know that chicken tikka masala has its roots in Indian cuisine, but it was actually popularized in the UK? It’s a dish that’s become iconic and beloved in many parts of the world.
How Does It Taste Like?
The taste of chicken tikka masala is a blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet tones brought together by a variety of spices. Each bite bursts with depth—thanks to the tomatoes, coconut milk, and a harmony of spices like garam masala and cumin. The naan is a contrast; fluffy and warm, it absorbs the sauce beautifully. Together, they create an incredibly satisfying experience that keeps you coming back for more.
You will also like the following Dinner recipes!
- Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce
- How to make Instant Pot Chicken Pasta
Why You’ll Love This?
This recipe is easy to follow, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. You don’t have to marinate the chicken overnight; a quick soak while you prep the sauce will do. Plus, the stove-top garlic naan eliminates the need for an oven. Who doesn’t love fresh, hot bread in under 15 minutes? This dish is comforting and crowd-pleasing, making it ideal for family dinners or even casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka Masala:
2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces (breasts or thighs), cut into cubes
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
6 garlic cloves, grated or minced, divided
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, divided
1 small green chili, finely chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
4 cups cooked basmati rice, for serving
Homemade garlic naan, for serving
Spice Mix:
1 tablespoon garam masala blend
1 tablespoon ground cumin seeds
1 tablespoon ground coriander powder
2 teaspoons ground turmeric powder
2 teaspoons fine kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
½ teaspoon cayenne chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into cubes. In a large bowl, combine them with yogurt, half of the garlic, half of the ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate while you prepare the sauce. No need to fret over the timing; just a quick soak will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to build a flavorful base for your masala.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the remaining garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is simply divine.
Step 4: Introduce the Spices
Now comes the fun part! Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne, cardamom, and salt to the skillet. Stir continuously for about a minute. This allows the spices to bloom and release their tremendous flavor potential.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Chicken
Pour in the tomato purée or crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add the marinated chicken and green chili, stirring well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer for Flavor
Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you have time, let it simmer a little longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally, and don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Stir in Coconut Milk or Cream
Once the chicken is tender, reduce the heat to low and add the coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir everything together, allowing it to meld for another 5-10 minutes. Taste it again—this is your moment to shine as a cook.
Step 8: Prepping the Garlic Naan
While the chicken is simmering, let’s whip up that garlic naan. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and water until it forms a simple dough. Roll out into flat disks.
Step 9: Cook the Naan
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place a flattened piece of dough in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with melted butter and some minced garlic.
Step 10: Serve it Up
Once everything is cooked and your kitchen smells heavenly, it’s time to plate. Serve the chicken tikka masala over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with the warm garlic naan. Dig in and enjoy!
Tips on Making Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor as a garnish. Don’t skip it.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the meat tender, check for doneness but avoid excessive simmering.
Feel Free to Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of green chili or cayenne according to your spice preference.
Experiment with Dairy: If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk works great, but you can always try plain almond or cashew yogurt for the marinade.
Keep Naan Warm: If making a big batch of naan, place it on a plate covered with a kitchen towel to keep it warm.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this easy chicken tikka masala (assuming four servings total) contains approximately:
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
How Do You Store This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan?
Store any leftover chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The naan can also be stored in a sealed container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can freeze the naan with parchment paper in between each piece for easy thawing.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan?
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs remain juicy even after cooking, adding richness.
Plant-Based Chicken: Substitute with a vegan chicken product for a plant-based version.
Cashew Cream for Coconut Milk: This adds a nutty flavor while keeping it creamy.
Spinach or Kale: For added nutrition, stir in some cooked greens just before serving.
Cauliflower Instead of Chicken: For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets, making sure to adjust cooking time.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka Masala:
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil vegetable or canola
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken pieces (breasts or thighs), cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 6 garlic cloves grated or minced, divided
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger divided
- 1 small green chili finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 4 cups cooked basmati rice for serving
- Homemade garlic naan for serving
Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala blend
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons fine kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken into cubes. In a large bowl, combine them with yogurt, half of the garlic, half of the ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate while you prepare the sauce. No need to fret over the timing; just a quick soak will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to build a flavorful base for your masala.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
- Next, stir in the remaining garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is simply divine.
Step 4: Introduce the Spices
- Now comes the fun part! Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne, cardamom, and salt to the skillet. Stir continuously for about a minute. This allows the spices to bloom and release their tremendous flavor potential.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Chicken
- Pour in the tomato purée or crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add the marinated chicken and green chili, stirring well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer for Flavor
- Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you have time, let it simmer a little longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally, and don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Stir in Coconut Milk or Cream
- Once the chicken is tender, reduce the heat to low and add the coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir everything together, allowing it to meld for another 5-10 minutes. Taste it again—this is your moment to shine as a cook.
Step 8: Prepping the Garlic Naan
- While the chicken is simmering, let’s whip up that garlic naan. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and water until it forms a simple dough. Roll out into flat disks.
Step 9: Cook the Naan
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place a flattened piece of dough in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with melted butter and some minced garlic.
Step 10: Serve it Up
- Once everything is cooked and your kitchen smells heavenly, it’s time to plate. Serve the chicken tikka masala over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with the warm garlic naan. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor as a garnish. Don’t skip it.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the meat tender, check for doneness but avoid excessive simmering.
- Feel Free to Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of green chili or cayenne according to your spice preference.
- Experiment with Dairy: If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk works great, but you can always try plain almond or cashew yogurt for the marinade.
- Keep Naan Warm: If making a big batch of naan, place it on a plate covered with a kitchen towel to keep it warm.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make chicken tikka masala ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat before serving, and it may even taste better the next day as flavors further develop.
2. How spicy is chicken tikka masala?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. Using less cayenne or more coconut milk can tone down the heat significantly.
3. What should I serve with chicken tikka masala?
Aside from naan, you might serve it with basmati rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or even some crispy papadums. The balance of textures and flavors makes the meal complete.
4. How do I make the naan gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that mimics all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the texture; it might need slight adjustments in water.
5. Can I bake the naan instead of cooking it on the stove?
Yes, you can! Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the naan on a baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes until puffed and golden.
6. What’s the best way to enjoy leftover chicken tikka masala?
Leftovers make great wraps or can be served over a salad. You can even make a tikka masala pasta salad—mix with cooked pasta, veggies, and a touch of cream for a fusion dish!
Conclusion
Creating easy chicken tikka masala with stove-top garlic naan is about more than just cooking. It’s building a connection with flavors, textures, and a delightful cultural experience. This recipe transcends the plate, inviting you to explore spices and techniques that are deeply rooted in tradition, while also allowing for creativity in your kitchen.
So, gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this aromatic culinary journey. You’ll be serving up something extraordinary in no time. Happy cooking!
