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Chicken Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan Bread

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • For the Masala Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp ghee or butter
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for lighter option)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • For Garlic Naan Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add chicken chunks, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (overnight is best).
  • Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until charred on the outside and cooked through. Set aside.
  • Step 3: Make the Masala Sauce: In a large pot, heat ghee and oil. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in ground spices (coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, chili powder). Cook until fragrant. Add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and sugar. Simmer until sauce thickens. Add cooked chicken, coat with sauce, and simmer for another 5–10 minutes.
  • Step 4: Prepare Garlic Naan Bread: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Mix and knead into a soft dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled. Divide into 6 balls, roll out into ovals. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan until bubbles form, then flip. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic and sprinkle cilantro on top.
  • Step 5: Serve: Plate chicken tikka masala in a bowl. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with garlic naan bread.