Creamy Butter Chicken with Naan
Rich and creamy butter chicken in a velvety tomato-spiced sauce, served with warm garlic naan. An authentic Indian comfort dinner with 34g protein in under 45 minutes.
15m
4
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Store-bought or homemade naan for serving
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine cubed chicken with yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best results).
- 2
Cook the chicken
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Chicken doesn't need to be cooked through — it will finish in the sauce. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Build the sauce
In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook 30 seconds.
- 4
Add tomatoes and cream
Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well and simmer 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and sugar. The sauce should turn a beautiful rich orange color.
- 5
Finish the chicken
Return the chicken to the sauce. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt to taste.
- 6
Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with warm naan bread for scooping up the creamy sauce. Basmati rice also works as a side.
Chef's Tips
Marinating the chicken in yogurt tenderizes it and adds flavor — even 15 minutes helps, but overnight is ideal. Use full-fat yogurt and heavy cream for the richest sauce. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne or a chopped green chili. The sauce tastes even better the next day, making this great for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this creamy butter chicken with naan
How long does it take to make Creamy Butter Chicken with Naan?
This recipe takes 40 minutes total time, including 15 minutes prep time and 25 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Creamy Butter Chicken with Naan recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Creamy Butter Chicken with Naan recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this Creamy Butter Chicken with Naan recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this creamy butter chicken with naan ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this creamy butter chicken with naan up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover creamy butter chicken with naan?
Store leftover creamy butter chicken with naan covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with creamy butter chicken with naan?
This creamy butter chicken with naan pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze creamy butter chicken with naan?
Yes, this creamy butter chicken with naan freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.