Some food pairings are just correct. Peanut butter and jelly. Fries and ketchup. And on Devon Street, butter chicken and garlic naan from Delhi Darbar.
If you’re new to Chicago’s Indo-Pak food scene, or you’ve simply never strayed from your go-to order, this is the combination that converts skeptics into regulars in one bite.
What Makes Butter Chicken a Classic
Butter chicken — murgh makhani — starts with tandoor-roasted chicken that’s been marinated in yogurt and spices, then finished in a tomato-based gravy loaded with butter and cream. Done right, it should be smoky from the tandoor char, tangy from the tomato base, and rounded out by just enough sweetness and butter to make it feel indulgent without being heavy-handed. That balance is harder to nail than it sounds, and it’s the reason butter chicken is one of the most inconsistent dishes across restaurants — some versions taste like ketchup soup, others drown the chicken in cream.
At Delhi Darbar, the chicken is marinated and tandoor-cooked first, which means it holds its char and texture even after it’s folded into the gravy — no mushy, overcooked pieces sitting in sauce.
Why Garlic Naan Is the Non-Negotiable Side
Plain naan is fine. Garlic naan is the move. Fresh minced garlic and herbs are worked into the dough and brushed on right as the bread comes out of the tandoor, so it’s fragrant, slightly charred at the edges, and soft enough in the center to tear and scoop up every bit of gravy. It’s the kind of bread that disappears from the table before the entrée does.
The Combo Everyone Orders
Ask any regular at Delhi Darbar what they order for a first-timer bringing a friend, and butter chicken with garlic naan comes up almost every time. It’s approachable for people who are new to Indian food, rich enough to satisfy people who’ve grown up on it, and it reheats well if you’re taking leftovers home — which, if you’ve had it, you probably will be.
It also works well as a late-night order. Since Delhi Darbar stays open until 2AM Tuesday through Friday and 3AM on weekends, butter chicken and garlic naan has become one of Devon Street’s go-to late-dinner or after-work meals for people who don’t want to compromise on quality just because it’s late.
Great for First-Timers and Families Alike
Because it’s mild-to-medium in spice and universally loved, this combo is also a smart order if you’re introducing kids, in-laws, or coworkers to Indian food for the first time. Pair it with a side of dal fry or a vegetable biryani for the table, and you’ve got a spread that works for vegetarians and meat-eaters sitting side by side.
Order It Your Way
Whether you’re dining in on Devon Street, grabbing pickup on your way home, or ordering delivery through Uber Eats, butter chicken and garlic naan travels well and holds its texture — a small but important detail for anyone who’s been burned by soggy naan from other spots.
