Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan

Name: Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast (diced); 150 g plain yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 3 tbsp butter; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 small piece of ginger (grated); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 200 ml tomato purée; 150 ml heavy cream; 250 g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp dry yeast; 2 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 tbsp oil; 100 ml warm water (approx.); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp butter (for brushing); Fresh parsley or coriander (optional)

If there’s one dish that brings together warmth, spice, and pure comfort, it’s butter chicken. This creamy, tomato-based curry is rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re craving takeout-style flavor or simply looking for a new weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold taste without the hassle.

Made with marinated chicken, fragrant spices, and a luscious sauce, butter chicken is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. Served with warm garlic naan or fluffy basmati rice, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.

What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that has gained worldwide popularity. It features tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked until golden, then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with butter and cream (or yogurt).

It’s milder than other Indian curries, which makes it a great introduction for anyone new to Indian cooking. But thanks to the depth of the marinade and slow cooking process, the flavor is anything but basic.

Why Make Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan at Home?

While it’s tempting to order it from your favorite Indian restaurant, homemade butter chicken gives you full control over the ingredients and spice level. You can make it creamier, spicier, or even lighten it up with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.

It also stores beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep dish. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Butter chicken is great on its own, but pairing it with freshly made garlic naan takes it to the next level. The soft, chewy texture of the naan, brushed with melted butter and garlic, is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

While traditional naan is made in a tandoor oven, you can easily cook it in a hot cast iron pan or non-stick skillet at home. It’s fast, satisfying, and so much better than store-bought. You don’t need yeast if you’re short on time, but for the best texture, a simple yeast dough and 1–2 hours of resting make all the difference.

If you’re planning a cozy dinner night, make the naan while the chicken simmers. The aroma of garlic and butter alone is worth the effort. And once you dip it into the sauce, you’ll know why it’s a must.

The Secret Is in the Marinade

A good butter chicken starts long before the sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

This marinade does more than just flavor the meat—it tenderizes it. Even a short marination of 30 minutes helps, but letting it sit for several hours (or overnight) makes a big difference in both flavor and texture.

Once marinated, the chicken is typically seared in a hot pan or grilled to lock in the flavor and give it some color. Then it’s added back into the creamy sauce for a final simmer.

A Rich, Fragrant Sauce

The sauce in butter chicken is the real star. It starts with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, followed by crushed tomatoes and a mix of warm spices. Butter (of course) adds richness, while cream or yogurt brings the signature smoothness.

Some recipes also call for a handful of cashews, blended into the sauce for extra body and creaminess. This is optional, but highly recommended if you like a slightly thicker curry.

Smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder can also be added for a subtle kick. Don’t forget a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

Garlic Naan – The perfect vehicle for scooping up that creamy sauce.
Steamed Basmati Rice – Light and fluffy, ideal for soaking up the curry.
Raita or Yogurt – To cool things down if you’re adding extra spice.
Cucumber Salad – For a fresh and crunchy contrast.

Warm, spiced, and incredibly comforting, butter chicken is also great for dinner parties or a cozy date night. The dish looks impressive but is surprisingly forgiving to cook.

Can You Make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?

Yes! While traditional butter chicken uses ghee, cream, and yogurt, there are many ways to make a dairy-free version without losing the essence of the dish. Try substituting:

Coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream
Plant-based yogurt in the marinade
Vegan butter or olive oil in place of ghee

You can also use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.

Homemade butter chicken brings the depth of Indian flavors to your kitchen in a manageable and satisfying way. With a few pantry spices, yogurt, and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something that tastes restaurant-quality — no delivery required.

Serve it with garlic naan, top with fresh cilantro, and enjoy every creamy, spiced bite. Once you’ve made it once, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.