Creamy Butter Chicken with Soft Garlic Naan Bread

A Comfort Food Classic

Butter chicken is one of those dishes that instantly wraps you in warmth. It’s rich, velvety, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Paired with soft, pillowy garlic naan bread, this comforting combo turns any night into a cozy, satisfying dinner moment.

The sauce is the star here—creamy, mildly spiced, and layered with buttery tomato flavor that clings to every bite of chicken. And when you scoop it up with warm, garlicky naan straight off the skillet? Pure heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Combo

This recipe brings restaurant-style Indian flavors to your kitchen using accessible ingredients and simple techniques. You don’t need a tandoor or any special tools—just a skillet, some patience, and a craving for something rich and soul-hugging.

The butter chicken can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day, while the naan is made from scratch and pan-cooked for a soft, chewy finish with golden-brown edges.

Butter Chicken Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ½ cups tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Extra butter for finishing

Garlic Naan Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ⅓ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions for Butter Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant. Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes before adding the tomato puree. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook the marinated chicken in a separate pan until browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Transfer the chicken to the sauce, reduce the heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Add salt to taste and finish with a small pat of butter and fresh cilantro.

Instructions for Garlic Naan

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the yogurt and warm water. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until soft and elastic. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

Divide the dough into 6–8 balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into an oval shape. Sprinkle with minced garlic and gently press it into the surface.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes on the first side until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden spots appear. Brush immediately with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Tips for Serving

Serve butter chicken hot, with warm naan on the side for scooping. You can also pair it with steamed basmati rice if you want more balance. Leftover butter chicken makes an excellent wrap or rice bowl the next day. Naan can be reheated in a pan or microwave with a damp paper towel.

Final Thoughts

Few things compare to the comfort of soft garlic naan dipped into a bowl of creamy, spiced butter chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether it’s your first time cooking Indian-inspired dishes or you’re a seasoned fan, this combo delivers everything your tastebuds crave.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.