Butter Chicken And Naan Recipe In 2024

Introduction to Butter Chicken and Naan Recipe In 2024

Butter Chicken:

Butter chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a popular Indian dish that originated in Delhi. It is made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and cream. The dish is known for its rich, mildly spiced flavor, making it a favorite among both children and adults. The marination of the chicken in yogurt and spices, followed by slow cooking in the sauce, ensures the meat is tender and flavorful.

Naan:

Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread made from flour, water, yeast, and yogurt. It is soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges. Naan is typically cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven that gives it a unique smoky flavor. However, it can also be made at home using a regular oven or stovetop. Naan is the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken, as it helps to soak up the creamy sauce and adds a delightful texture to the meal.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken and Naan

Butter Chicken Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Naan Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Melted butter or ghee for brushing
• Nigella seeds or sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Butter Chicken and Naan

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 10-15 minutes until the oil separates from the tomato mixture.
5. Add red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
7. Stir in the heavy cream and water, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Add the remaining butter and mix well.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 3: Prepare the Naan Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Add yogurt, warm milk, and oil to the dry ingredients.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour.

Step 4: Cook the Naan

1. Preheat a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin into an oval or round shape.
4. Sprinkle nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top (if using) and press them gently into the dough.
5. Place the rolled-out naan on the preheated skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
7. Brush the cooked naan with melted butter or ghee.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken and Naan

• Marination: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
• Cooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked slowly to retain its moisture and tenderness.
• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, but you can use light cream or milk for a lighter version.
• Naan Dough: Resting the naan dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a softer texture.
• Cooking Naan: If you don’t have a tandoor, you can cook naan on a stovetop or in an oven. To mimic the tandoor effect, use a cast-iron skillet and cook on high heat.

Variations of Butter Chicken and Naan

• Spicier Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies to the sauce for a spicier version.
• Garlic Naan: Add minced garlic to the naan dough or brush the cooked naan with garlic butter for a garlic-infused flavor.
• Cheese Naan: Stuff the naan with grated cheese before cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour for the naan and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt in the butter chicken sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken and naan are best served hot and fresh. You can pair them with:

• Raita: A yogurt-based side dish with cucumbers, mint, and spices to balance the richness of the butter chicken.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Rice: Serve butter chicken with steamed basmati rice if you prefer a rice dish over naan.

Nutrient Table

Nutrient	Per Serving of Butter Chicken	Per Serving of Naan
Calories	300 kcal	150 kcal
Protein	25g	4g
Fat	20g	4g
Saturated Fat	10g	1g
Carbohydrates	10g	25g
Fiber	2g	1g
Sugar	5g	2g
Sodium	600mg	300mg
Calcium	100mg	20mg
Iron	1.5mg	2mg
Vitamin A	500 IU	50 IU
Vitamin C	10mg	0mg

FAQs

Conclusion

Butter chicken and naan is a classic Indian dish that brings together rich flavors and delightful textures. While it may seem complex, making butter chicken and naan at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.