Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove-Top Garlic Naan
If you’re in search of a dish that brings a taste of India right to your kitchen, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove-Top Garlic Naan. Bursting with flavors, this dish features tender chicken marinated in a creamy spiced yogurt sauce, complemented by soft, garlicky naan that you can whip up in minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort and flavor.
Why It’s My Go-To

This dish has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and for good reason! The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the stove-top garlic naan is a game-changer—no need for a tandoor oven, and it comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you dive into this culinary adventure, here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste (or 1 tablespoon minced ginger + 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into large bite-sized chunks
- For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Minced fresh cilantro for garnish
- For the Garlic Naan:
- Small pizza dough
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Essential Tools for Success
To make this dish come together seamlessly, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls – for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce
- Skewers – if you’re grilling the chicken kabobs
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the masala sauce
- Spatula – for stirring and flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements for consistent results
- Rolling pin – for flattening the naan dough
Method: Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove-Top Garlic Naan

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken chunks and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil


Easy Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove-Top Garlic Naan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate the ChickenIn a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken chunks and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Masala SauceIn a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Use store-bought naan for a quicker option.
