Are you a fan of Indian cuisine and wondering how to properly enjoy butter chicken with naan bread? Know the proper way to serve and eat butter chicken with naan bread to savor the flavors and textures of this classic Indian dish.
Here are instructions on how to serve and eat butter chicken with naan bread, so you can enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal in the comfort of your own home.
How to Serve Naan Bread with Butter Chicken
Warm the naan bread in the oven or on a skillet until it is lightly toasted and warm to the touch.
Place the butter chicken in a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Serve the butter chicken alongside the warm naan bread.
Eating Butter Chicken with Naan
Tear off a piece of naan bread and use it to scoop up a portion of the butter chicken. In place of forks and knives, grab long slabs of bread (in restaurants, that’s usually naan) with your right hand, pushing down on the rest with your thumb and forefinger while pulling with your other fingers.
Alternatively, you can spread a spoonful of butter chicken onto the naan bread and roll it up like a wrap.
Eat the whole mixture in one mouthful by wrapping it around the food and sauce in your main dish.
Enjoy the butter chicken with naan bread and savor the delicious flavors and textures.
Naan Bread and Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken. Credit: canva
What is Naan Bread?
Naan bread is a type of flatbread that originated in Central Asia and South Asia. It is typically leavened and made of refined wheat flour, known as maida.
Naan is a versatile bread that can be stuffed and flavored in various ways, and it is commonly eaten with curries or used as a base for pizzas, tacos, and paninis
What’s in Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a chicken curry with a tomato-based sauce flavored with butter and cream.
The Indian food comes from the Indian subcontinent and is a curry. It’s comparable to chicken tikka masala, which utilizes a tomato paste.
Butter Chicken with Rice. Credit: canva
What Goes with Butter Chicken?
You are wondering what to serve with butter chicken. From naan bread to chutney, these side dishes perfectly match and bring some extra Indian flair to your table.
Pulao or Basmati Rice
Pulao is an excellent pair for butter chicken. The rice absorbs all the flavors of the chicken and the gravy. To add even more flavor, you can sprinkle some garam masala on top before serving.
Naan Bread
If you love spicy food, this simple Naan bread will surely please your taste buds. First, spread some butter on it and grill it until golden brown. Then, place it on a plate and pour some butter chicken gravy.
Mango Chutney
This tangy mango chutney pairs well with butter chicken. Just chop up some fresh mangoes and mix them with sugar, vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Let the mixture sit overnight to let the flavors develop.
Cucumber Raita
Raita is a traditional accompaniment for Indian curries. It’s also a refreshing dip when served chilled. Make sure to cut the cucumbers into small cubes to get mixed evenly throughout the raita.
Vegetable Biryani
Biryani is an aromatic rice dish that is usually served on special occasions. In this vegetarian version, basmati rice is topped with cauliflower florets, peas, carrots, and onions.
Chapati. Credit: canva
Chapati
A delicious flatbread, chapati is often eaten alongside butter chicken. For best results, heat the chapatis in a pan first and then wrap them around the meat and vegetables.
Tandoori Aloo Tikki
These crispy aloo tikkis are baked in a tandoor oven. They’re easy to prepare and go perfectly with butter chicken. Toss cubed potatoes with flour, baking soda, and salt. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, coat the potato pieces in beaten egg and roll them in cornmeal. Fry in the deep fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes per side.
Garlic Butter Kale Rice
Kale is one of my favorite vegetables because it has a mild flavor. Here, I’ve paired it with garlic butter to give it a little kick. You can use any kale here; be careful not to overcook it.
Butter Chicken Paneer
Paneer is a firm cheese that comes from cow milk. It’s used as a substitute for paneer in many recipes. Here, I’ve combined it with butter chicken to create a creamy sauce.
Butter Chicken with Naan Bread. Credit: canva
Punjabi Fried Bread
These crispy rolls have a nice crunch but remain light and fluffy inside. Topped with butter, they’re a great addition to any meal.
Garlic Breadsticks
The secret to making these breadsticks pop is using a food processor. First, pulse the dough until you reach your desired consistency. Then, shape the dough into balls and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. Finally, cut the rolled-out dough into sticks and brush each stick with olive oil before frying.
Papadum
These crisp, thin crackers are made from chickpea flour. They’re similar to pita pieces of bread but much lighter. Serve them with butter chicken or anything else you like!
Samosa
Samosas are a traditional Indian savory pastry filled with spiced ground meat. In this recipe, we’ll use peas instead of meat. The filling will keep fresh for up to three days if stored properly.
Roti Sticks
These crispy flatbreads are usually eaten with curries. They’re a fun alternative to naan, which tends to get soggy after a while.
Coconut Chutney
This chutney is an excellent accompaniment to butter chicken. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk when making this chutney.
Restaurant Style Butter Chicken With Homemade Garlic Naan
Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
There are many different variations of butter chicken, but this recipe is a favorite recipe that takes some shortcuts and makes it easier for you.
It’s a great one-pot dish that can be served with rice, roti, or naan bread as well.
optional for serving/garnish: basmati or white rice, steamed vegetables, fresh cilantro
Instructions
Combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir in the chicken cubes; they should be coated in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to a day.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper; cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and stir until all is combined.
Transfer chicken and yogurt marinade to the pan, adding crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken somewhat as it cooks.
Add the heavy cream, then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. The chicken should be cooked through at this point.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or steamed vegetables.
FAQs
Why is butter chicken bad for you?
Butter chicken is a high-fat meal with butter and/or cream. One serving of butter chicken has about 28 grams of total fat and 12 grams of saturated fat.
Increased consumption of saturated fat leads to increased blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Is butter chicken supposed to be spicy?
Some people prefer their butter chicken with a kick, while others do not. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe. Start small and taste as you go! You can always add more if needed.
What is best to eat with butter chicken?
Butter chicken is excellent over rice but can also be eaten with roti or naan bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try steamed vegetables as a side dish.
