AUTHENTIC BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE WITH HOMEMADE NAAN BREAD: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Ingredients for Butter Chicken:

• 500 g skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 200 ml cooking cream
• 100 g butter
• Vegetable or sunflower oil
• Salt to taste
• Spices (Garam Masala):
• Cumin
• Fenugreek
• Turmeric
• Ground ginger
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder (optional)

Ingredients for Naan Bread:

• 500 g strong flour
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 200 ml warm water
• 100 ml yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Melted butter for cooking
• Grated garlic and chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Preparation of Butter Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:

• Mix the chopped chicken with the yogurt and let it marinate for at least one hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Sautéed Base:

• Heat some oil in a large pan.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
• Add the grated garlic and ginger and cook for a few minutes.
• Incorporate the Garam Masala spices and toast them lightly to release their aromas.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are well cooked.
• Add the marinated chicken to the tomato and spice sauté. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is well cooked.
• Add the cream to the mixture and cook on low heat.
• Just before serving, add the butter and let it melt into the sauce.
• Tip: If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate better.

Preparation of Naan Bread:

Prepare the Dough:

• Mix the flour with the yeast and salt in a large bowl.
• Add the yogurt and warm water and mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rest in a covered bowl for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Form and Cook the Bread:

• Divide the dough into small portions and form balls.
• Flatten each ball with a rolling pin to form thin discs.
• Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of butter.
• Cook each disc of dough in the pan until golden on both sides.
• Serve: Brush the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with grated garlic and fresh cilantro.
• Tip: Make sure the yogurt and water are at room temperature. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast.

To Accompany:

• Cooked Basmati rice according to the package instructions.
• Tip: Let the rice sit covered for about 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and the grains to separate easily.