Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction: The Comfort of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan is more than just a dish—it’s a sensory experience. This beloved Indian classic combines tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato gravy with warm, fluffy naan enriched with garlic butter. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, this meal is a universal comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. In this article, we’ll explore the history, flavor profile, and adaptability of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan, followed by a detailed recipe that ensures success every time.

A Quick Look at the Origins of Butter Chicken

The Culinary Invention of Murgh Makhani

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in the Punjab region of India in the 1950s. Its creation was serendipitous, born from leftover tandoori chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter. This innovative dish quickly gained popularity worldwide, earning its place as a cornerstone of Indian cuisine.

Understanding the Flavor Profiles of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan

What Makes Butter Chicken Irresistible?

Butter Chicken’s creamy, velvety sauce is infused with a delicate balance of spices such as garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Heavy cream and butter enhance the richness, while the tomato base provides a tangy undertone. Its mild heat makes it a family-friendly dish, appealing to both spice lovers and those with milder tastes.

The Perfect Bread Companion: Garlic Naan

Garlic Naan is a leavened flatbread with a golden, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Brushed with melted butter and minced garlic, it’s the ultimate tool for scooping up the luxurious Butter Chicken sauce.

Recipe: Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan

Ingredients Table

Butter Chicken Ingredients

Garlic Naan Ingredients

Step-by-Step Preparation

Butter Chicken Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • Combine chicken with 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   • Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the same skillet until aromatic. Add remaining spices and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Simmer the Tomato Base
   • Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add Cream and Water
   • Mix in cream and water, simmering gently for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine and Finish
   • Return chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 more minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Garlic Naan Preparation

1. Activate the Yeast
   • Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
   • Combine flour, salt, activated yeast, yogurt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (6-8 minutes).
3. Let the Dough Rise
   • Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Prepare Garlic Butter
   • Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
5. Shape and Cook
   • Divide dough into 6 portions. Roll into ovals and cook on a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with garlic butter.

Nutritional Information

Butter Chicken (Per Serving)

Garlic Naan (Per Serving)

FAQs About Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan

Can I make Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

How can I make Garlic Naan without yeast?

You can use baking powder and yogurt as leavening agents for a quicker, yeast-free recipe.

What can I serve with Butter Chicken besides naan?

Butter Chicken pairs well with basmati rice, paratha, or even plain bread rolls.

Is Butter Chicken spicy?

It’s mildly spiced but not overly hot. You can adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference.

Conclusion: Why Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan is a Must-Try

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan is a timeless dish that blends tradition, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and garlicky naan create a meal perfect for any occasion. Try it at home and experience the magic of this Indian culinary treasure.

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ouissam Recipes

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish that combines tender chicken in a spiced tomato sauce, paired with fluffy naan brushed with garlic butter. Perfect for a comforting meal at home, this dish offers a delicious balance of rich flavors and textures.

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Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine India

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheet or hot skillet for naan
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  

• 500g chicken breast/thighs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup tomato puree
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

 

• Preparation Steps:

  Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes.

  Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, then set aside.

  Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the same skillet, add spices and cook. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cream and water, simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste.

  Finish Butter Chicken: Add chicken to the skillet, cook for 5 more minutes, garnish with cilantro.

  Make Naan Dough: Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Mix with flour, salt, yogurt, and melted butter. Knead the dough until it’s smooth, then let it rise for an hour.

  Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.

  Shape and Cook Naan: Divide dough into portions, roll into ovals, cook in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, and brush with garlic butter.

Notes

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and butter with coconut cream and oil. For a quicker naan, you can omit the yeast and use baking powder and yogurt as leavening agents.

Perfect for any dinner gathering, Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan will bring warmth and joy to your table!

Keyword Butter Chicken Recipe, Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe, Garlic Naan Recipe, India Cuisine