Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that has conquered hearts worldwide. Known for its rich, creamy sauce and succulent chicken pieces, this dish pairs beautifully with naan—an Indian flatbread. Today, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to make traditional Indian butter chicken along with homemade naan.
If you’re looking to bring the vibrant flavors of India into your kitchen, you’re in the right place. This beloved recipe for butter chicken with naan is not only delicious but also remarkably straightforward. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you will find this guide both informative and easy to follow. You will learn how to prepare the chicken, cook the aromatic sauce, and make fresh naan from scratch—all within the comfort of your home.
Preparing the Chicken
Creating a mouth-watering butter chicken begins with the proper preparation of the chicken itself. Marinating the chicken is essential to infuse it with robust flavors and ensure it’s tender when cooked.
Ingredients for Marination
- 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1-inch piece of grated ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
This step sets the foundation for the butter chicken, ensuring that your chicken pieces are flavorful and tender.
Crafting the Butter Sauce
Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to focus on the heart of the dish—the butter sauce. This sauce is rich, creamy, and infused with spices that epitomize Indian cuisine.
Ingredients for Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1-inch piece of grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 cup of tomato puree
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Lower the heat to medium and add the garam masala, chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Stir well until the spices are fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate the Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree, stirring to combine with the spice mixture. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add salt and sugar to taste, cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Combine with Chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Your butter sauce is now ready, and the aroma alone will have you eagerly anticipating the final dish.
Making Homemade Naan
No butter chicken meal is complete without a side of fresh, homemade naan. This Indian flatbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious butter sauce.
Ingredients for Naan
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 3 cloves of minced garlic (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the plain yogurt and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dough to rise slightly and become more pliable.
- Divide and Roll: After resting, divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin, oval shape using a rolling pin.
- Cook the Naan: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a rolled dough piece onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until bubbles form and the naan is golden brown. If desired, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with minced garlic and fresh cilantro.
- Serve Warm: Repeat the process with the remaining dough. Serve the naan warm alongside your butter chicken.
Bringing It All Together
You’ve now prepared every component of this delightful meal. As you set the table, the inviting smell of butter chicken and freshly made naan will surely excite everyone.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation: Serve the butter chicken in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a stack of warm, buttery naan.
- Accompaniments: Consider adding a side of steamed basmati rice or a simple cucumber raita to complete the meal.
- Beverages: A glass of lassi or a cup of masala chai will complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Making traditional Indian butter chicken with homemade naan is a rewarding culinary endeavor. Following this detailed recipe allows you to create an authentic dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor. From the marinated chicken to the rich butter sauce and warm naan, each element comes together to deliver a memorable dining experience. Now, you can enjoy this classic Indian dish anytime, confident in your ability to recreate it at home.