The Bold, Creamy Curry That Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl
There are few dishes that strike the perfect balance between bold spices and velvety creaminess quite like chicken tikka masala with naan. This classic Indian-inspired meal is the ultimate comfort food — warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. Each bite delivers tender chunks of chicken coated in a tomato-based curry sauce that’s infused with fragrant spices and finished with a swirl of cream. Pair it with soft, pillowy naan? Now you’ve got magic.
Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite takeout dish or looking to impress guests at dinner, this recipe will walk you through how to bring that restaurant-level flavor right to your kitchen.
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala, Exactly?
Despite its strong Indian roots, chicken tikka masala is believed to have been created in the UK — a beautiful hybrid of Indian culinary traditions and Western comfort food cravings. The dish features marinated, grilled chicken simmered in a spiced, creamy tomato curry. It’s rich, aromatic, and perfect for scooping up with soft naan or serving over basmati rice.
The pairing of chicken tikka masala with naan is a meal that doesn’t just satisfy your stomach — it feeds your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to scour specialty shops — you can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store.
🍗 For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
🍅 For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
🫓 For the Naan:
- Store-bought naan or homemade naan (warmed)
- Optional: garlic butter for brushing
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Longer marinating = deeper flavor. It’s worth the wait.
2. Grill or Bake the Chicken
- Preheat grill, grill pan, or oven broiler.
- Cook chicken until lightly charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Set aside and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Don’t skip the charring — it gives that signature “tikka” flavor.
3. Prepare the Masala Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cumin, paprika, garam masala, and chili powder.
- Toast the spices for 30 seconds to deepen flavor.
4. Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt.
- Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cream and sugar (if using). Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
- Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.
The sauce should be thick, creamy, and beautifully orange-red.
5. Warm the Naan
- Heat naan in a dry skillet or oven until soft and warm.
- Brush with melted garlic butter for extra flavor if desired.
6. Assemble and Serve
- Spoon the tikka masala into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream.
- Serve hot with warm naan on the side — perfect for scooping up that saucy goodness.
Why Naan Completes the Dish
While chicken tikka masala is undeniably satisfying on its own, naan transforms it into an experience. The soft, chewy texture and slight char of naan are ideal for:
- Scooping curry instead of using a spoon
- Balancing spice with its subtle sweetness
- Absorbing sauce so nothing goes to waste
It’s the equivalent of the perfect dinner roll — but better.
Shortcuts & Swaps
Life gets busy. Here’s how to save time or make it work with what you have:
⏱ Time Savers:
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (though you’ll lose some tikka flavor).
- Replace homemade naan with store-bought versions — just warm them up well.
🥛 Dairy-Free Options:
- Substitute yogurt with dairy-free coconut yogurt in the marinade.
- Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream for the sauce.
🔥 Want It Spicier?
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green chilies or red chili flakes.
What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan
Want to round out the meal? Here are some classic and creative ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | Soaks up the sauce beautifully |
| Cucumber raita | Cooling contrast to the spice |
| Mango chutney | Sweet-tangy burst with savory curry |
| Roasted cauliflower | Mild, hearty veggie that complements the curry |
| Pickled onions | Bright and tangy for texture and flavor balance |
A little variety on the table goes a long way toward making it feel like a feast.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
This dish stores incredibly well and might even taste better the next day.
🍱 Storage:
| Method | Duration | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze sauce and chicken together |
🔁 Reheating:
- Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.
- Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent separation.
- Warm naan in the oven or toaster oven wrapped in foil.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
Varies based on cream and naan selection.
FAQs – You Asked, We Answered
❓ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge. Add the cooked chicken and simmer when ready to serve.
❓ Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium. You control the heat by adjusting the chili powder or adding chilies.
❓ Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! In fact, many prefer thighs for their juicy texture and flavor.
❓ Is it gluten-free?
The curry is gluten-free if your spices and cream are certified GF. For naan, use a gluten-free variety or serve with rice.
❓ Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
You can, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Add tomato paste for richness if needed.
A Dish Worth Every Bite (and Dip)
Chicken tikka masala with naan isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. From the smoky, spiced chicken to the velvety sauce and the warm naan ready to scoop it up, every bite is pure joy. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone at the table just a little more content than before.
Whether you’re cooking for the first time or perfecting your family recipe, this version will deliver flavor, comfort, and a touch of wow.
🍛 Hungry for more?
Explore our food section for curry-inspired comfort, Indian classics, and flavorful meals made for real life.
