Description
This easy butter chicken with naan is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken is simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce, finished with cream, and paired with soft naan bread for the ultimate cozy dinner. Perfect for weeknights or a special homemade meal.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
1 cup plain yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
3 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 ½ cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
4 naan breads, warmed and brushed with butter
2 cups cooked basmati rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Cook marinated chicken until browned on the outside. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter. Add onions and cook until soft and golden. Stir in garlic, ginger (optional extra), and tomato puree. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Add Cream & Chicken: Stir in cream until smooth and velvety. Return chicken to the pan, simmer until fully cooked and tender (about 10 minutes). Season to taste.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with warm naan and fluffy basmati rice.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Make ahead: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (with rice & naan)
- Calories: ~650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: butter chicken recipe, easy butter chicken, butter chicken with naan, cozy chicken dinner, creamy chicken curry
