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- 500g boneless chicken thighs - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste - 2 teaspoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander powder - 1 cup tomato puree - ½ cup heavy cream Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for your butter chicken. Start with 500g of boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Next, you'll need 1 cup of plain yogurt. This helps to marinate the chicken and adds flavor. Then, grab 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste. This mix gives your dish a great base taste. For spices, you will use 2 teaspoons of garam masala. This spice mix brings warmth. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for a nutty flavor. Finally, include 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, which adds a hint of citrus. Next, you will need 1 cup of tomato puree. This forms the rich sauce. Lastly, grab ½ cup of heavy cream. It makes the dish creamy and smooth. With these ingredients, you're set to make a tasty butter chicken. Feel free to explore local markets for fresh options. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix the following: - 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit overnight makes it even tastier. Next, we will cook the chicken. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté the onion until it is golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the onions are ready, add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is browned and cooked through. Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle in: - 2 teaspoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander powder - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for your spice preference) Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the spices release their flavors. Now, pour in 1 cup of tomato puree. Stir everything together well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. This thickens the sauce and deepens the flavor. Finally, lower the heat and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve this butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan. Enjoy your meal! - Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor - Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken Marinating the chicken overnight is a game-changer. It allows the spices to soak in deeply. If you're short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken. This will cut your cooking time in half. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce. - Adjust spice levels to your preference - Monitor chicken cooking time to avoid overcooking Cooking is all about you. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. If you prefer mild, use less. Always check the chicken closely as it cooks. Overcooked chicken can be dry, and no one wants that. - Use fresh cilantro for color - Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh touch Garnishing makes your dish pop. Fresh cilantro adds a bright color and taste. A squeeze of lemon gives a fresh lift to the rich sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle cilantro and add a lemon wedge to each plate. Pro Tips Marination Matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Aim for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the level of red chili powder based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. Tomato Purée Tip: For a richer flavor, use homemade tomato purée or high-quality canned tomatoes. This will enhance the overall taste of your butter chicken. Serving Suggestions: Serve with fluffy basmati rice or naan, and consider adding a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast to the spiced chicken. {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients for your butter chicken. Here are a few swaps: - Use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and still tasty. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This gives the dish a nice tropical touch. If you have dietary needs, you can adapt the recipe: - To make it gluten-free, check all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. - For a vegetarian version, try using paneer or tofu. Both options soak up the sauce well and taste great. Want to boost the flavor? Here are some ideas: - Add a touch of honey for sweetness. It balances the spices and adds depth. - Incorporate crushed tomatoes for a tangy flavor. This gives the dish extra brightness and freshness. After you enjoy your butter chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This way, the flavors stay fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and reheat. To freeze butter chicken, let it cool down completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat and keep the flavor, first, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. When you reheat butter chicken, do it slowly on low heat. This helps the sauce stay creamy and tasty. You can serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. For a complete meal, add a side of fresh salad or roasted veggies. Enjoy the flavors! Butter chicken comes from India. It started in Delhi in the 1950s. The dish was made by mixing leftover chicken with a rich tomato sauce. This sauce had butter, cream, and spices. It became popular for its creamy flavor and warmth. Butter chicken shows Indian culinary art. It connects people to tradition and culture. You can, but I do not recommend it. Marinating adds flavor and tenderness. The yogurt and spices help the chicken soak up taste. If you skip this step, the dish may not be as rich. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination, like overnight, gives even better taste. To lower the spice, adjust the red chili powder. You can also use less of it in the recipe. Adding more cream or yogurt can cool the heat. Serve it with rice or bread to balance the spice. Fresh cilantro on top adds flavor without heat. In this article, I shared a simple recipe for Butter Chicken. We covered key ingredients, the cooking process, and useful tips to enhance your dish. Marinating chicken is crucial for flavor, so don’t skip it! You can adjust spices and try ingredient swaps for personal taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these steps, you can make a delicious Butter Chicken meal you'll love. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with others!

Deliciously Creamy Butter Chicken

A rich and flavorful butter chicken dish, marinated in yogurt and spices, finished with cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or as long as overnight for maximum flavor development.
  • In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee (or unsalted butter) over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and fragrant.
  • Add the marinated chicken along with all of the marinade to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
  • Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, coriander powder, turmeric, and red chili powder. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the dish and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
  • Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine thoroughly with the spiced chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, during which the sauce will thicken slightly and deepen in flavor.
  • Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring to ensure everything is well incorporated and heated through. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve over basmati rice or with naan for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken recipe, Indian cuisine