Butter Chicken with Naan

The rich aroma of Butter Chicken simmering in a velvety tomato-cream sauce is a sensation hard to beat. This classic North Indian dish, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a crowd favorite around the world, thanks to its luxurious texture, warm spices, and soul-satisfying flavors. Paired with warm, garlicky naan to soak up every last drop of sauce, it makes for a complete and indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress your guests, this Butter Chicken with Naan will transport your kitchen straight to the heart of India. The dish strikes the perfect balance between spice and creaminess, making it ideal for both curry newbies and seasoned fans. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s an irresistible fusion of bold spices and tender chicken.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 ½ cups tomato purée

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• 4 pieces naan bread (store-bought or homemade)

• Optional: garlic butter for brushing naan

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden and soft.

3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in the tomato purée and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add marinated chicken to the sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.

7. Meanwhile, warm the naan in a skillet or oven and brush with garlic butter if desired.

8. Serve butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside warm naan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Butter Chicken with Naan – A Classic Indian Culinary Icon

Butter Chicken with Naan is more than just a dish it’s a beloved representation of Indian culinary mastery. Originating in the rich culinary traditions of North India, this combination offers a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas that captivate the senses. With its creamy, spiced tomato sauce enveloping tender, marinated chicken pieces, paired with soft, pillowy naan, Butter Chicken has become a global favorite.

Whether enjoyed in a bustling street-side dhaba in Delhi or recreated in a cozy home kitchen abroad, this dish bridges cultures through taste and comfort. For food lovers exploring global cuisines or those seeking warm, soul-satisfying meals, Butter Chicken with Naan remains a timeless favorite.

The Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani” as it’s known in Hindi, has a fascinating history. It was first created in the 1950s by chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The story goes that leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with cream and butter, giving birth to this now world-famous dish.

The creators, Kundan Lal Gujral and his team, were pioneers in introducing creamy gravies and tandoori cooking to mainstream Indian cuisine. Their innovation resulted in a recipe that masterfully balances smokiness, spice, creaminess, and tang, creating a dish that appeals to both Indian and international palates.

Over the years, Butter Chicken has evolved to suit different tastes and cooking styles. Today, it is a staple not only in Indian households but also in restaurants across the globe, particularly in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US, where it often ranks among the most ordered Indian dishes.

Why Butter Chicken Is So Popular

The widespread popularity of Butter Chicken can be attributed to its universal appeal. The dish marries bold Indian spices with a mellow, creamy tomato base, creating a balance that suits various taste preferences. Unlike some Indian curries that are intensely spicy, Butter Chicken is typically mild, with just enough heat to be flavorful without overwhelming the palate.

Additionally, the use of marinated, grilled or sautéed chicken adds a depth of flavor and texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce. The sauce itself, often enriched with cream and butter, coats every bite with a luscious, velvety finish. When paired with naan, which serves as the perfect vessel to scoop up the rich curry, every bite becomes a textural and flavorful delight.

This accessibility in both flavor and texture makes Butter Chicken a go-to dish for newcomers to Indian cuisine, while still holding deep nostalgic and cultural value for those who grew up eating it.

The Perfect Pairing: Naan

While Butter Chicken is a star on its own, pairing it with naan elevates the experience to new heights. Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread typically made from white flour and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving it a soft yet slightly crispy texture. It’s often brushed with ghee or garlic butter, adding another layer of richness that complements the creamy curry.

Naan acts like a sponge, soaking up the thick butter chicken sauce, ensuring that not a single drop of that flavorful curry goes to waste. While rice is also a common accompaniment to Butter Chicken, naan offers a more tactile, immersive dining experience. There’s something uniquely satisfying about tearing off a piece of warm naan and using it to scoop up the curry with your hands an intimate connection to the food that many cultures value deeply.

Modern versions of naan include garlic, cheese-stuffed, or even gluten-free adaptations, making it versatile and suitable for various dietary needs. Whether traditional or experimental, naan’s role in the Butter Chicken experience is irreplaceable.

Cooking Techniques That Enhance Flavor

Several specific techniques set Butter Chicken apart from other chicken curry dishes. One of the most important steps is marination. The chicken is typically marinated in yogurt and spices for several hours or overnight. This process not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with deep, aromatic flavors.

Grilling or sautéing the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce is another essential step. This adds a charred, smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.

The sauce itself is often cooked in stages first by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger, then adding tomatoes and spices, and finally simmering everything with cream or cashew paste. This layering of flavors ensures complexity and depth in the final product.

Butter Chicken is best made slowly, allowing the spices to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally. Some versions even include a touch of honey or sugar to enhance the tomato’s sweetness and balance the heat of the spices.

Butter Chicken Around the World

Thanks to its irresistible flavor profile, Butter Chicken has found a home in many parts of the world. In the UK, it’s a close cousin to the popular Chicken Tikka Masala. In Canada and Australia, it’s a mainstay of Indian restaurant menus. Chefs around the world have adapted the dish to suit local tastes using coconut cream instead of dairy in some Southeast Asian versions or even turning the dish into wraps, pizzas, and pasta sauces.

This global popularity speaks to the adaptability of Butter Chicken. It’s a dish that lends itself well to fusion while still retaining its essential character. For those looking to explore world cuisines or expand their weeknight dinner rotation, Butter Chicken with Naan is an excellent starting point.

Nutritional Considerations and Modifications

While traditionally indulgent due to its use of butter and cream, Butter Chicken can be adapted to fit a range of dietary needs. For a lighter version, home cooks often substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or low-fat cream. Lean chicken breast can be used instead of thighs for less fat content.

There are also vegetarian versions of Butter Chicken, where paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or chickpeas replace the meat while maintaining the same delicious sauce base.

Additionally, gluten-free naan or rice can be served alongside the curry, making the meal suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

These modifications allow for a more health-conscious version of Butter Chicken without compromising the rich and satisfying flavors it is known for.

Butter Chicken as a Cultural Experience

Serving Butter Chicken at the table is about more than just nourishment it’s a cultural celebration. It reflects the warmth of Indian hospitality and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. In many Indian households, preparing Butter Chicken is a family affair, with everyone participating in marinating, cooking, and of course, eating.

Its presence at festive occasions, family gatherings, and dinner parties showcases its status as a dish of celebration and comfort. Whether made from scratch at home or ordered from a favorite Indian restaurant, Butter Chicken connects people through shared taste experiences and culinary storytelling.

Conclusion:

Butter Chicken with Naan is a dish that checks all the boxes flavorful, comforting, accessible, and rich in history. It brings together the vibrancy of Indian spices, the comfort of creamy sauces, and the satisfaction of tearing into warm bread. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable, exotic yet familiar.

For anyone looking to dive into Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken is an ideal entry point. It doesn’t overwhelm with heat or complexity but still delivers a powerful punch of flavor. The naan acts as the perfect partner, making every bite complete and memorable.