Butter Chicken, Naan Bread & Carrot Pickle

A delicious Indian meal consisting of creamy butter chicken, freshly made naan bread, and tangy carrot pickle.

Ingredients
Butter Chicken
- Chicken Breast Fillets (cut into cubes)6cup
- Onions (finely chopped)1cup
- Garlic Clove (finely grated)1tsp
- Ginger (peeled & finely grated)1tbsp
- Garam Masala1tbsp
- Cumin Powder1tbsp
- Turmeric1tsp
- Red Chilli Powder1tbsp
- Chopped Tomatoes (tinned)1can
- leaves Curry leaves8
- Vegetable Oil3/4cup
- Cream2cup
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Coriander Leaves1/2cup
Naan Bread
- bag Ready-Made Dough1
- Flour3/4cup
- Sunflower Oil4tbsp
- Butter4tbsp
Carrot Pickle
- Carrots (julienne)2cup
- Spring Onions (diagonal, thinly sliced)1/2cup
- Thai Green Chilli (finely chopped)1tsp
- Apple Cider Vinegar1cup
- Water1/2cup
- Sugar3tbsp
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
1025.0kcal (51.25%)
Protein
62.5g (100%)
Carbs
62.5g (22.73%)
Sugars
12.5g (25%)
Healthy Fat
50.1g
Unhealthy Fat
25.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Butter Chicken, Naan Bread & Carrot Pickle
Butter Chicken
- Step 1
Heat a saucepan and add half of the vegetable oil. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Step 2
Add the curry leaves, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric, and chilli powder. Add a little water so the spices do not burn. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Step 3
Add the tinned tomatoes, garlic, ginger & a little salt and pepper. Turn down to simmer for 5 min, then add the cream and turn down to simmer the sauce for about 10–15 minutes.
- Step 4
Remove from the heat and using a stick blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
- Step 5
Heat a pan and add the remaining vegetable oil. Add the chicken strips, a little salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown.
- Step 6
Add the sauce to the chicken and stir until all the chicken is coated in sauce.
- Step 7
Turn down the heat and simmer until all flavors have infused.
Naan Bread
- Step 1
Break the dough into even pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a flatbread about 1 cm thick.
- Step 2
Roll each flatbread into an oval shape without giving them time to rise.
- Step 3
Heat a griddle pan to medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and butter. Add the flatbread and cook until golden brown on one side, then flip to cook on the other side.
- Step 4
Ensure the pan is not too hot to prevent the bread from burning before it cooks through.
Carrot Pickle
- Step 1
Add the carrots, spring onions, and green chillies to a medium bowl. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2
Place the vinegar, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Add a little salt and pepper. Bring the vinegar solution to a boil, then turn off the heat.
- Step 3
Pour the vinegar solution over the carrots, mix well, and cover with a lid. Set aside to pickle for 10 minutes.
- Step 4
Remove the carrots from the solution and place the pickled carrots in the fridge to cool.
- Step 5
Serve the butter chicken with naan bread on the side and a little carrot pickle. Garnish with coriander leaves.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
1025.0kcal (51.25%)
Protein
62.5g (100%)
Carbs
62.5g (22.73%)
Sugars
12.5g (25%)
Healthy Fat
50.1g
Unhealthy Fat
25.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the pan is not too hot when cooking the naan bread to prevent burning.
Blend the butter chicken sauce until smooth for a creamy texture.
FAQS
How can I make Butter Chicken suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make Butter Chicken gluten-free, simply use gluten-free naan bread or serve it with rice instead. Ensure that all spices and sauces used are gluten-free, and check the labels on any pre-made ingredients.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Butter Chicken?
If you don't have chicken breast, you can use thighs or even paneer for a vegetarian option. For cream, you can substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Additionally, if you don't have garam masala, you can create a blend using equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cardamom.
How should I store leftover Butter Chicken and Naan Bread?
Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Naan bread can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat naan in a skillet or oven before serving.
What is the best way to pair Butter Chicken with side dishes?
Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with naan bread, basmati rice, or even quinoa. For a refreshing side, serve it with a cucumber salad or the tangy carrot pickle included in the recipe, which adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Can I make the carrot pickle ahead of time for Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot pickle a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after pickling, and it will develop more flavor. This makes it a great make-ahead option to complement your Butter Chicken meal.
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Anna Middleton
(@chefanna)
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking. I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...
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