This Meal Prep Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish inspired by classic Indian flavors. Tender chicken is simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and warm garam masala. Served over fluffy basmati rice and paired with buttery garlic naan, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.
Not only is this butter chicken incredibly delicious, but it’s also perfect for meal prep. It stays flavorful and creamy throughout the week, making it an excellent choice for a ready-to-go lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish at home!
Full Recipe:
For the Butter Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Garlic Naan:
- 2 naan breads
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Directions:
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Prepare the Butter Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in garam masala, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prepare the Garlic Naan: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture over warm naan bread before serving.
- Assemble the Meal Prep: Divide the rice into meal prep containers, top with butter chicken, and serve with a side of garlic naan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Meal Prep Butter Chicken with Rice and Garlic Naan
Meal Prep Butter Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals. This classic Indian dish, known for its creamy and spiced tomato-based sauce, is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or just looking for a homemade alternative to takeout, this dish will leave you feeling full and happy.
What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?
Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” originates from Northern India and has gained worldwide popularity due to its rich, creamy texture and well-balanced flavors. It was created in the 1950s by Indian restaurateurs who wanted to find a way to use leftover tandoori chicken. By simmering the chicken in a buttery tomato-based sauce, they developed a dish that was creamy, mildly spiced, and packed with bold flavors.
The key to an authentic butter chicken lies in the balance of spices. The use of garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric creates a deep, earthy flavor, while fresh ginger and garlic add a kick of warmth. The richness of butter and cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) ties everything together, making this dish both indulgent and comforting.
Why This Meal Prep Version Works
Meal prepping has become an essential part of modern cooking, helping busy individuals maintain a healthy, home-cooked diet without spending hours in the kitchen daily. This Meal Prep Butter Chicken is the perfect candidate for batch cooking because:
- It stays fresh for days. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, preventing it from drying out in the fridge.
- It’s easy to reheat. Simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it tastes just as good as when it was freshly made.
- It’s versatile. You can pair it with basmati rice, naan, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- It’s freezer-friendly. This dish freezes beautifully, so you can make a large batch and store portions for future meals.
Perfectly Paired: Why Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan?
A classic butter chicken meal is not complete without a side of aromatic basmati rice and fluffy garlic naan. Each element complements the dish in its own unique way:
- Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice is known for its light and fluffy texture and subtle nutty flavor. When cooked properly, it absorbs the creamy butter chicken sauce beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Garlic Naan: Soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the edges, naan is the ideal way to scoop up the rich butter chicken sauce. The addition of garlic and butter makes it even more irresistible.
By including both basmati rice and naan in this meal prep, you get the perfect balance of texture and flavor—fluffy rice to absorb the sauce and soft naan to scoop up every last bit.
Ways to Customize This Meal Prep Butter Chicken
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to fit your dietary preferences and taste preferences:
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
- Increase the spice level: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to intensify the spice.
- Use different proteins: While chicken is the most common choice, you can also make this dish with shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Low-carb alternative: Skip the rice and serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice or with a side of sautéed spinach for a lighter meal.
- Make it extra rich: Add a tablespoon of almond butter or cashew butter to the sauce for an even creamier consistency.
How to Store and Reheat Meal Prep Butter Chicken
Since this meal prep version is designed for busy schedules, it’s important to store and reheat it correctly to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration: Store the butter chicken in airtight meal prep containers along with the rice and naan. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of butter chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. The sauce will keep the chicken moist, so it won’t dry out when reheated.
- Reheating: Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat it in a pan on low heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
Health Benefits of Butter Chicken
While butter chicken is often considered indulgent, it does offer several nutritional benefits when made at home with wholesome ingredients:
- High in protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in antioxidants: The tomatoes, garlic, and ginger in the sauce provide antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immune health.
- Spices boost metabolism: Ingredients like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder have been linked to metabolism-boosting properties and improved digestion.
- Healthy fats: When made with full-fat dairy or coconut milk, this dish provides healthy fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Meal Prep Butter Chicken
Meal Prep Butter Chicken with Rice and Garlic Naan is the ultimate comfort food that’s both convenient and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, an easy meal-prep option, or a homemade alternative to takeout, this dish has you covered.
With its creamy, spiced sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly paired sides, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, with its customizable options, you can make it as rich, spicy, or healthy as you like.
So why not give it a try? Cook a big batch, store it for the week, and enjoy restaurant-quality Indian