Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of creamy butter chicken paired with pillowy soft rice and freshly made golden garlic naan. The gentle aroma of spices mingling with butter, the vibrant orange-red hue of the sauce, and the slight char on the naan edges create a sensory experience that feels like a warm embrace on a cool evening. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because this dish doesn’t just feed the body it nourishes the soul.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for this recipe comes from countless evenings in a family kitchen where laughter and the sound of sizzling garlic filled the air. Butter chicken was always the star of celebrations, and naan was never just bread—it was the vessel that carried flavors straight to the heart. This dish is a blend of tradition and a touch of indulgence, perfect for moments when you want to slow down and savor every bite.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was born out of a happy accident when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato sauce. The result was a silky, aromatic dish that quickly became a global favorite. Paired with soft rice and garlic-infused naan, it transforms into a feast that bridges continents and traditions.
Why You’ll Love Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
Versatile: This dish can be enjoyed for dinner parties, family meals, or even as a weekend indulgence.
Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it luxurious without a luxury price tag.
Quick and Easy: With a bit of preparation, you can have this restaurant-worthy dish on your table in under an hour.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap the protein to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, aromatic, and flavorful—everyone comes back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Great for Leftovers: Repurpose it into wraps, sandwiches, or even a quick curry bowl.
Print
Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Griddle
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy, aromatic butter chicken served over soft basmati rice with warm golden garlic naan. A cozy, crowd-pleasing feast with a velvety tomato-butter sauce, fluffy grains, and buttery, garlicky bread.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs: 1.5 lb, cut into bite-size pieces
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Garam masala: 2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Butter: 4 tbsp, divided
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 6, minced, divided
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, minced
- Tomato purée: 1 cup
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Basmati rice: 2 cups, rinsed
- Water for rice: 3 cups, plus more as needed
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Instant yeast: 2 tsp
- Warm water for naan: 1 cup
- Salt: 1 tsp, plus more to taste
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, and paprika. Mix well and rest 30 minutes.
- Start the sauce base: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until golden. Add half the minced garlic and all the ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Build the curry: Stir in tomato purée and a pinch of salt. Add the marinated chicken with any marinade, stir to coat.
- Simmer to tender: Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and warm through.
- Cook the rice: Bring 3 cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rinsed basmati rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until tender and fluffy, 12 to 15 minutes. Rest covered 5 minutes, then fluff.
- Make naan dough: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, warm water for naan, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix and knead until smooth and soft, about 5 minutes. Cover and rise 1 hour until puffy.
- Shape the naan: Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into an oval about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook the naan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high. Cook each naan 1 to 2 minutes per side until blistered and golden.
- Garlic butter finish: Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter with the remaining minced garlic. Brush hot naan generously and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Serve: Spoon rice onto plates, top with buttery chicken, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with warm garlic naan.
Notes
- Note: For extra richness, add a pinch of crushed fenugreek leaves to the sauce before serving.
- Note: Let dairy come to room temperature to prevent the sauce from splitting.
- Note: Briefly toast naan over an open flame for a light char.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: butter chicken, murgh makhani, garlic naan, basmati rice, Indian curry, creamy chicken curry, family dinner
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
A little kitchen wisdom goes a long way in elevating this dish:
- Marinate the Chicken Overnight: This allows the spices to fully penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Use Fresh Garlic in Naan: It brings an aromatic punch that powdered garlic just can’t match.
- Simmer Slowly: Low heat lets the butter and spices marry beautifully without splitting the sauce.
- Brush Naan with Butter Immediately: This locks in softness and gives that irresistible sheen.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Cooking this meal is easier with the right tools:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Perfect for simmering the butter chicken sauce evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and preparing dough.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening the naan dough.
- Cooking Pot: To steam the rice to fluffy perfection.
- Garlic Press: Ensures fresh garlic is evenly minced for the naan.
Ingredients in Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
The harmony of these ingredients is what makes this dish sing:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs, juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup, for marinating and tenderizing the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp, brightens the flavors.
- Garam Masala: 2 tsp, the spice blend that defines butter chicken’s warmth.
- Ground Cumin: 1 tsp, adds earthy depth.
- Paprika: 1 tsp, for color and subtle sweetness.
- Butter: 4 tbsp, the luxurious base for the sauce and naan brushing.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped, for sweetness and body.
- Garlic Cloves: 6 cloves, minced, bringing that signature aroma.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced, for a warm zing.
- Tomato Purée: 1 cup, rich and tangy.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- Basmati Rice: 2 cups, fluffy and aromatic.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, base for naan.
- Instant Yeast: 2 tsp, for quick naan rise.
- Warm Water: 1 cup, activates yeast for naan.
- Salt: 1 tsp, enhances flavor across the dish.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you need to work with what you have:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Boneless chicken breast.
- Greek Yogurt: Plain full-fat yogurt.
- Heavy Cream: Coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Basmati Rice: Jasmine rice.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour for a heartier naan.
Ingredient Spotlight
Garam Masala: A fragrant blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, it gives butter chicken its soul.
Basmati Rice: Known for its delicate fragrance and long, slender grains, it’s the perfect foil for rich curries.
Instructions for Making Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
Let’s bring this feast to life step-by-step:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm your skillet on medium heat and preheat the oven to low for keeping naan warm.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, and paprika in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt 2 tbsp butter in the skillet, sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Assemble the Dish: Add tomato purée, remaining spices, and marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir well.
- Cook to Perfection: Simmer on low until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens, then stir in cream. Meanwhile, cook basmati rice in salted boiling water until fluffy.
- Finishing Touches: Prepare naan by mixing flour, yeast, warm water, and salt, kneading until soft. Let rise 1 hour, roll out, cook on a hot griddle, then brush with garlic butter.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate rice, top with butter chicken, and serve alongside warm garlic naan sprinkled with cilantro.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The sauce should be velvety and rich, coating the tender chicken without being too thick. The rice offers a soft, fluffy contrast, while naan delivers a slight chew with a crispy, golden edge. Garlic butter ties everything together with aromatic warmth.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest sauce.
- Toast naan briefly over an open flame for extra char.
- Always rest naan dough to ensure softness.
What to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade—it’s essential for flavor depth.
- Boiling the sauce too vigorously, which can cause it to split.
- Using cold dairy straight from the fridge; let it warm to room temperature first.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 580
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Butter chicken can be made a day ahead, allowing flavors to deepen overnight. Store rice and naan separately in airtight containers. Freeze naan for up to 2 months, and reheat in a hot pan or oven. Reheat butter chicken gently on the stovetop.
How to Serve Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan
Serve with extra cilantro and a wedge of lemon for brightness. A side salad with cucumbers and onions adds refreshing crunch.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Turn leftover butter chicken into a wrap with fresh greens, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a fusion twist. Naan can be topped with cheese and herbs for quick flatbreads.
Additional Tips
For richer flavor, add a small pinch of fenugreek leaves to the sauce before serving. Always roll naan evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Make It a Showstopper
Serve in a wide, shallow bowl so the sauce is fully visible, and arrange naan leaning against the side. A drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of cilantro make it irresistible.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Butter Chicken: Add chopped green chilies for a fiery kick.
- Paneer Makhani: Swap chicken for cubes of paneer for a vegetarian twist.
- Garlic Herb Naan: Add chopped parsley to the garlic butter for an herby aroma.
- Coconut Butter Chicken: Use coconut cream for a tropical undertone.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Absolutely, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you substitute gluten-free flour for naan.
4. What’s the best rice for this dish?
Basmati rice is the classic choice for its aroma and texture.
5. Can I make it without cream?
Yes, substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
6. How do I get soft naan?
Proper resting of dough and immediate butter brushing.
7. Can I make naan without yeast?
Yes, use baking powder and yogurt for a quick version.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add a spoon of cashew paste.
9. Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw fully before marinating for best results.
10. How can I reduce spice?
Use less garam masala and paprika, and add extra cream.
Conclusion
This Epic Butter Chicken with Soft Rice & Golden Garlic Naan isn’t just a recipe it’s an experience that blends history, flavor, and comfort into every bite. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you’ve made it, it will find a permanent place in your cooking repertoire.
