Butter chicken is a rich, creamy dish that’s packed with flavor. With a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala and turmeric, this recipe brings the taste of Indian cuisine to your kitchen. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any time you’re craving something comforting yet full of flavor. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious butter chicken recipe!
Key Benefits of Butter Chicken recipe
Butter chicken is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings a world of flavor to your table. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this recipe:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric creates a savory, aromatic base that gives butter chicken its signature taste.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream and butter makes the sauce velvety smooth, coating the chicken in a rich, comforting way.
- Versatile: While butter chicken is traditionally made with chicken, you can easily swap it with paneer, tofu, or other proteins for a different twist.
- Simple Ingredients: Despite its complex flavors, butter chicken uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
- Satisfying and Nutritious: With chicken as the main protein, it’s a filling dish that’s perfect for family meals. The rich sauce is balanced by the healthy protein and a touch of healthy fats from butter and cream.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Butter chicken stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
This dish isn’t just about eating; it’s about savoring the flavors that come together in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, butter chicken offers a warm, flavorful experience that’s easy to enjoy.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken recipe
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 1 lb (450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter – 3 tbsp
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger – 1-inch piece, minced
- Tomatoes (crushed or pureed) – 1 can (14 oz / 400g)
- Heavy cream – 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Yogurt – 1/4 cup (60g)
- Garam masala – 1 1/2 tbsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Ground coriander – 1 tsp
- Ground turmeric – 1/2 tsp
- Chili powder or paprika – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Cilantro (for garnish) – 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions for Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to create a dish full of flavor and richness:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder or paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pan, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce:
Add the crushed or pureed tomatoes to the pan, followed by the remaining garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Add the Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or more chili powder if desired.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it into the creamy tomato sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve your butter chicken with warm naan or steamed rice for a complete meal.
This butter chicken recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors, and savor every bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Creating perfect butter chicken requires just a few extra touches. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish is rich, flavorful, and restaurant-quality:
Marinate for Longer: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful and tender.
Balance the Cream: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your desired sauce consistency. If you prefer a thicker, creamier sauce, add a little extra cream. For a lighter version, reduce the amount and add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter is key to the signature richness of butter chicken. Use real butter for the best results, and don’t skimp on it. It creates the velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the heat level to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, simply use less chili powder and focus on the aromatic spices.
Add a Dash of Kasuri Methi: If you can find dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi), crumble them into the sauce just before serving. This adds an authentic flavor and extra depth to the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, cook it just until it’s no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make the chicken dry, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
Serve with Naan or Rice: Butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan (soft flatbread) or basmati rice. These are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your butter chicken to the next level. Small adjustments make a big difference in achieving that creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a versatile dish, and you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:
Butter Chicken with Vegetables:
For a lighter, more veggie-packed version, add bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the sauce. These vegetables blend well with the creamy sauce and add a healthy twist to the traditional recipe.
Healthy Butter Chicken:
If you’re looking for a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the fat content while still keeping the dish flavorful.
Butter Chicken Tikka:
For a smoky, grilled version, try making tikka-style butter chicken. Marinate the chicken in a mix of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, then grill or broil it before simmering it in the sauce. This technique enhances the dish with a rich, smoky flavor.
Spicy Butter Chicken:
If you love spice, add extra green chilies, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to kick up the heat. You can also increase the amount of chili powder in the marinade for an added burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a rich and comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Naan Bread:
Soft, fluffy naan is the ultimate companion for butter chicken. Its ability to scoop up the creamy sauce makes each bite even more satisfying. You can also try garlic naan for an extra burst of flavor.
Basmati Rice:
Basmati rice is another classic pairing for butter chicken. Its long, fragrant grains absorb the rich sauce beautifully, creating the perfect base for your chicken.
Steamed Vegetables:
If you’re looking to add some freshness and crunch, serve butter chicken with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. The natural sweetness of the veggies balances the richness of the sauce.
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FAQs for Butter Chicken
Here are some frequently asked questions about butter chicken to help you make the perfect dish:
What makes butter chicken so orange?
The rich orange color of butter chicken comes from a combination of tomato puree, paprika, and fenugreek leaves. These ingredients not only give the dish its vibrant hue but also contribute to its deep, savory flavor. The turmeric in the recipe also adds to the golden-orange tint.
What thickens butter chicken?
The cream and cashew paste in butter chicken help thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy, luxurious texture. Additionally, the reduction of tomato sauce during cooking contributes to the thickness, making the dish even richer and more indulgent.