Butter Chicken with Naan

Indian-style creamy tomato butter chicken with soft naan bread.

Butter Chicken with Naan:

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a rich and creamy Indian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato-based sauce. The combination of butter, cream, and aromatic spices gives it a velvety texture and deep flavor. Served with warm, fluffy naan, this dish is a true comfort food that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each of minced ginger & garlic)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup tomato purée (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken and coat well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove from pan.

Make the Butter Sauce:

• In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
• Add garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Sauté for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato purée and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
• Add cream, sugar (if using), and cooked chicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Soft Naan Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup warm milk
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp yeast (or ½ tsp baking soda for quicker version)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add yogurt and yeast mixture.
3. Knead into a soft dough, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Divide into 4-6 balls, roll out into thin ovals.
5. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side until bubbles form.
6. Brush with melted butter and serve warm.

Serve Together:

Enjoy the creamy butter chicken with fluffy naan for a perfect Indian-inspired meal!

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken – For the most flavorful and tender meat, marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
• Use Boneless Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and absorb the sauce better than chicken breast.
• Blend the Sauce – For a silky-smooth texture, blend the tomato sauce before adding cream and butter.
• Simmer for Flavor – Let the sauce cook slowly to enhance the depth of flavors.
• Naan for the Perfect Pairing – Serve with homemade or store-bought naan, brushed with butter and garlic for extra flavor.

Enjoy your meal!