Recipe: Spiced Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. Paired with homemade garlic naan, this dish is a perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. This detailed recipe will guide you through the process of making restaurant-quality butter chicken at home.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken
- 500g boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
For the Garlic Naan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup yogurt
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, ground cumin, and ginger-garlic paste.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are slightly charred but not fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and garam masala. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Use a blender to make the sauce smooth, then return it to the pan.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and add them to the sauce.
- Let the butter chicken simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Naan Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, warm milk, sugar, and oil.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead into a soft dough.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour.
Step 5: Cook the Garlic Naan
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into oval shapes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh coriander on top, pressing lightly so they stick.
- Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat. Cook the naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until bubbles form and brown spots appear.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish the butter chicken with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.
- Serve hot with garlic naan and basmati rice.
- Pair with mango lassi or a refreshing cucumber raita for a complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade Spiced Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan—a dish full of rich flavors and indulgent textures!