Welcome, my dear friends!
Are you hesitant to try your hand at making Indian food at home?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with an easy and mouthwatering recipe for butter chicken with naan.
This simplified version of authentic butter chicken from India is packed with flavor and can be prepared with ease.
With just a few pantry staples like tomato sauce, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices, you can create a homemade curry that will tantalize your taste buds.
Add tender chunks of chicken to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
(And let’s not forget about the naan) – warm, pillowy, and perfect for dipping into that creamy curry sauce.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of preparing a delightful butter chicken with garlic naan meal prep. (this will be great)
Gone are the days of feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cooking Indian cuisine.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the convenience of having your meals ready in advance, all while indulging in the flavors of this beloved dish.
Join me as I embark on this flavorful journey. I’ll walk you through marinating the chicken.
Preparing the rich buttery sauce, and crafting the soft and garlicky naan bread.
By the end, you’ll have a week’s worth of prepared healthy meals that can be easily reheated and enjoyed at any time.
So, let’s dive into the world of butter chicken with garlic naan meal prep and bring the enticing aromas of Indian cuisine into your kitchen.
Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this irresistible combination of flavors. Let’s start!
What is Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan?
This mouthwatering Indian dish, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” has taken the globe by storm with its irresistible flavors and comforting nature.
Picture this: succulent chicken marinated in a tantalizing blend of spices like garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, and turmeric. (It’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen!)
As the chicken cooks, it bathes in a velvety tomato sauce, generously infused with butter to create a heavenly, creamy gravy.
The result? A harmonious blend of savory goodness with a delightful hint of sweetness.
Butter chicken needs a partner in crime, and that’s where garlic naan comes into play. (This traditional Indian bread is a match made in culinary heaven)
Made from all-purpose flour, yogurt, and minced garlic, it’s like a fluffy cloud with a hint of garlicky goodness.
The naan is expertly cooked until it’s soft, fluffy, and slightly charred, ready to soak up every bit of that luscious butter chicken sauce.
Join me as I uncover the secrets of how to meal prep this beloved dish! And let’s dive into the ingredients, and step-by-step preparation.
And even explore some serving suggestions and side dishes that perfectly complement this delectable masterpiece.
Prepare to amaze your loved ones with your newly acquired cooking skills!
Butter Chicken With Garlic Naan
Course: RecipesCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings19
minutes30
minutes449
kcalIngredients
500 grams of boneless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized portions.
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cashew paste
1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
For Garlic Naan:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Butter, for brushing
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
Mix well to make the marinade. - Add and ensure that the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) for the garlic naan.
- In a spacious pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they achieve a golden brown hue. - Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes until it blends well with the onions.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cashew paste, fenugreek leaves, sugar, and salt.
Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Meanwhile, prepare the garlic naan. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, minced garlic, baking powder, and salt.
Work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. - Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into oval-shaped naan bread.
- Place the naan on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown. - While the naan is baking, cook the marinated chicken on a grill or in a preheated skillet over medium heat.
Cook until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, approximately 8-10 minutes. - Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the pan with the buttery tomato sauce.
Thoroughly mix the sauce with the chicken to ensure every piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. - Enhance the butter chicken’s presentation by garnishing it with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve the butter chicken hot with garlic naan and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Now, you have a delicious butter chicken recipe paired with homemade garlic naan.
Indulge in the creamy, aromatic flavors of the butter chicken and savor the soft and garlicky naan bread and prepare it for your family.
It’s a delightful combination that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India.
5 Mouthwatering Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Ideas
When serving your delicious butter chicken with garlic naan, consider these serving suggestions and side dish ideas to enhance your meal prep experience:
1. Aromatic Basmati Rice
Elevate your family meal prep experience by incorporating the fluffy, aromatic basmati rice as a delightful companion to the rich and flavorful butter chicken.
The delicate flavors and long grains of basmati rice offer a perfect complement to the succulent chicken.
Allowing each mouthful to burst with a harmonious blend of spices and textures.
2. Zesty Cucumber Raita
As you plan a delightful dinner for two, don’t forget to include a refreshing cucumber raita as a cooling accompaniment.
Combine grated cucumber, creamy yogurt, minced garlic, freshly chopped mint leaves, a touch of cumin powder, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon juice.
This tantalizing blend of flavors and textures is the perfect addition to your intimate culinary experience.
3. Tangy Pickled Onions
Enhance your meal prep for your family by incorporating the tangy and vibrant flavors of pickled onions. ( I loved this)
Achieve this by thinly slicing red onions and allowing them to soak in a delightful blend of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Let the onions marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for a more intense flavor, leave them overnight.
The addition of these pickled onions brings a zesty and refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter chicken.
Elevating the overall dining experience for your loved ones.
4. Fresh Green Salad
Incorporate healthy eating meal prep into your routine by preparing a simple green salad that adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
Simply combine crisp lettuce leaves, thinly sliced cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of zesty lemon juice. (That’s so easy)
This light and crunchy salad serve as a delightful and refreshing accompaniment to the hearty butter chicken.
Providing a balanced and wholesome dining experience that aligns with your healthy eating goals.
5. Flavorful Roasted Vegetables
For a wholesome and nutritious option, roast a medley of vegetables as a side dish.
Toss vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs.
Roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized. The roasted vegetables provide a flavorful and colorful addition to the meal.
These serving suggestions and side dish ideas will take your butter chicken with garlic naan to the next level.
Infusing your meal prep creation with variety and complementing flavors.
Meal-prepping butter chicken with garlic naan offers a delightful way to enjoy flavorful, prepared meals throughout the week easily.
With a little planning and preparation, you can indulge in the rich and savory combination of tender chicken and garlicky naan whenever hunger strikes.
This culinary masterpiece brings people together, evoking warmth, comfort, and indulgence with every bite.
By following my recipe, you now have the knowledge and confidence to recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Butter chicken with garlic naan provides a versatile canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to customize the spice level and add your favorite ingredients.
Meal prepping not only saves money, time, and effort but also ensures a balanced and satisfying meal at your fingertips.
So, gather your ingredients, embrace the aromas, and transport yourself to the vibrant streets of India with each flavorful bite.
Happy meal prepping and bon appétit!
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FAQ
What pairs well with butter chicken?
When it comes to complementing the rich flavors of butter chicken, there are a few delicious options.
Traditional choices include aromatic basmati rice, which perfectly balances the creamy sauce.
Additionally, soft and fluffy garlic naan bread is a classic choice for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
For a refreshing contrast, cucumber raita provides a cooling and creamy accompaniment.
And if you’re looking for a tangy kick, pickled onions add a vibrant element to your meal.
How should you eat butter chicken with naan?
To savor the delectable combination of butter chicken and naan.
Tear off a piece of the soft and garlicky naan bread and use it to scoop up a mouthful of the flavorful butter chicken.
The naan serves as the perfect vehicle for capturing the creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces.
The combination of the creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and soft naan creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
Is butter chicken meant to be sweet or spicy?
Butter chicken is known for its balance of flavors, and it can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe.
Traditionally, butter chicken has a mildly spicy taste with a touch of sweetness. The spice level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
The creamy tomato-based sauce provides a savory and slightly sweet undertone, while the spices add a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Why is butter chicken so delicious?
Butter chicken’s deliciousness lies in its perfect combination of flavors and textures.
The tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, and cooked in a buttery and creamy tomato sauce, creates a velvety and rich gravy.
The sauce’s savory and slightly sweet notes, along with the blend of spices, create a harmonious taste.
This culinary masterpiece is further enhanced by the soft and garlicky naan bread.
Which complements the butter chicken and adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite.
Is butter chicken a healthy choice?
While butter chicken is undeniably delicious, it is important to note that it is typically a rich and indulgent dish.
The creamy sauce often contains butter, cream, and ghee, which contribute to its richness.
Additionally, the chicken is usually marinated in a combination of spices and yogurt, which can add flavor but also some calories.
It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Adding healthier side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad can help create a more balanced meal.