Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan is a dish that will make your taste buds dance! The rich, creamy butter chicken pairs perfectly with soft, warm garlic naan. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate.

I remember the first time I tried this, and wow—it was amazing! The chicken is so tender, and the sauce is creamy and full of flavor. And that garlic naan? It’s the perfect way to scoop up every bite!

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special yet comforting, this is it. Trust me, once you try Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan, you’ll want it again and again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Takeout – Creamy, rich, and packed with authentic flavors.
Easy to Make – Step-by-step instructions make it simple for beginners.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Make the sauce ahead of time for quick weeknight meals.
Homemade Garlic Naan – Soft, fluffy, and brushed with aromatic garlic butter.
Perfect Pairing – Serve it with basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl (for the naan dough)
• Rolling pin (to flatten the naan)
• Cast iron pan or tandoor (for cooking naan)
• Deep saucepan or wok (for butter chicken)
• Blender or immersion blender (for a smooth sauce)
• Sharp knife & cutting board (for prepping ingredients)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make restaurant-style Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan at home:

For the Butter Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp curry spice (basaar)
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp turmeric

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1-2 green bird’s eye chilies (optional, chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp curry spice
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ¼ cup cashews
• ½ cup double cream
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)

For the Naan Dough:

• 2 cups bread flour (or plain flour)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

For the Garlic Butter:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, chili powder, paprika, curry spice, chili flakes, and turmeric. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for best flavor).

2. Cook the Marinated Chicken

• Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

• In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter and sauté onions until golden brown.
• Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes, salt, chili powder, paprika, curry spice, chili flakes, turmeric, and cashews. Stir well.
• Simmer for 15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.

4. Blend the Sauce

• Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
• Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the double cream and garam masala.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
• Finish with a tbsp of butter for that signature creamy taste.

How to Make Soft & Fluffy Garlic Naan

Nothing pairs better with butter chicken than fresh, homemade garlic naan. This naan is soft, pillowy, and brushed with aromatic garlic butter, making it the ultimate side for scooping up that rich, creamy sauce.

Unlike store-bought naan, this homemade version is free of preservatives and tastes just like restaurant-style naan, with a slight chew and delicious charred spots. Plus, you don’t need a tandoor—this recipe works perfectly in a skillet!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Naan

1. Prepare the Naan Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
• Add plain yogurt and warm water gradually, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Drizzle 1 tsp oil in the bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Divide & Roll Out the Naan

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal balls.
• Roll each ball into an oval or round shape, about ¼-inch thick.

3. Cook the Naan

• Heat a cast-iron pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Brush one side of the naan with water and place the wet side down on the pan.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom develops golden-brown spots.
• Flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Remove from the pan and place on a plate.

4. Make the Garlic Butter & Brush

• Melt butter in a small pan and mix in minced garlic and chopped coriander.
• Brush this over the hot naan for a fragrant, buttery finish.

Tips for the Best Garlic Naan

✔️ Use Bread Flour – This gives the naan a chewy yet soft texture.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Yogurt – It adds tenderness and a slight tang.
✔️ Let It Puff – Cook naan on high heat for air pockets to form.
✔️ Brush Immediately – Applying garlic butter while hot helps it absorb the flavor.

How to Serve Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan

Now that you’ve made creamy butter chicken and fluffy garlic naan, it’s time to plate it up! This dish is rich, flavorful, and indulgent, making it a complete meal on its own, but here are some great ways to elevate your experience:

Serving Suggestions

With Basmati Rice – Fluffy, long-grain basmati rice perfectly soaks up the creamy butter chicken sauce.
With a Side Salad – A refreshing cucumber and onion salad balances out the richness.
With Mango Chutney – Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy curry.
With a Chilled Drink – A mango lassi or salted buttermilk complements the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Like a Restaurant

• Drizzle extra cream over the butter chicken before serving.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of garam masala.
• Serve in a warm bowl with naan on the side, folded and brushed with extra garlic butter.

How to Store and Reheat Butter Chicken & Naan

Storing Butter Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the butter chicken sauce (without cream) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and stir in fresh cream.

Reheating Butter Chicken

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the texture.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent separation.

Storing Garlic Naan

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight bag for 2 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Garlic Naan

• Stovetop: Reheat in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 15 seconds (less recommended as it can turn chewy).

Variations and Customizations

Butter Chicken Variations

Make It Spicier – Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh green chilies.
Make It Vegetarian – Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
Nut-Free Option – Skip the cashews and use extra cream for a smooth texture.
Tangier Version – Add a little extra lemon juice for a more tangy butter chicken.

Garlic Naan Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Naan – Add grated mozzarella or cheddar inside before rolling out.
Herb Naan – Use fresh cilantro, mint, or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for extra flavor.
Aloo Naan – Stuff with spiced mashed potatoes for a delicious twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 Sandwich)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Yes! You can substitute cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version.

2. Can I cook naan in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 3-4 minutes, then broil for 30 seconds for charred spots.

3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in the sauce.

4. How do I make naan without yeast?

Swap yeast for ½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp baking soda, and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

5. Can I freeze naan dough?

Yes! Store in an airtight bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

This Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan recipe gives you the rich, creamy flavors of restaurant-style Indian food right in your own kitchen! Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.