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Easy & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken with Naan Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

This Easy & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken with Naan Bread recipe delivers a perfectly balanced dish with creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Juicy marinated chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato-cream sauce pair beautifully with freshly made soft naan bread cooked on a skillet. Ideal for family dinners or small gatherings, this straightforward recipe uses pantry staples and simple techniques to bring restaurant-quality Indian flavors to your table effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Butter Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) plain full-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)

For the Naan Bread

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken thigh pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to ensure tender and flavorful chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and add the pieces to the skillet in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the tomato puree, additional garam masala (about 1 teaspoon), and salt to taste. Let simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter until fully incorporated and silky. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 10 more minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  5. Make the Naan Bread: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water, plain yogurt, and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes until puffed.
  6. Cook the Naan: Divide the dough into 6 equal balls, roll each into a flatbread about 1/4 inch thick. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for approximately 2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown spots appear. Brush with olive oil or butter immediately after cooking.
  7. Serve Hot: Plate the creamy butter chicken alongside the freshly cooked naan bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and enjoy immediately while hot and steamy.

Notes

  • For spicier butter chicken, increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chilies.
  • Vegetarian variation: substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.
  • To lighten the dish, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
  • For extra richness, stir in cashew paste into the sauce.
  • Bake naan bread at 450°F for 5-7 minutes if preferred over skillet cooking.
  • Brush naan with garlic butter after cooking for a flavorful twist.
  • Leftover butter chicken stores well refrigerated for 3-4 days and freezes up to 2 months.
  • Reheat butter chicken gently with a splash of water to prevent drying.

Keywords: butter chicken, homemade butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, Indian recipe, naan bread, easy butter chicken, chicken thigh recipes, Indian dinner, weeknight dinner, creamy tomato chicken

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/easy-and-creamy-homemade-butter-chicken-with-naan-bread-recipe/