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To make Indian butter chicken, gather these ingredients: - 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste - 3 tablespoons butter - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 medium tomatoes, pureed - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken provides protein, while yogurt adds tanginess. Spices like garam masala bring warmth and depth. Butter makes the sauce rich and creamy, while cream smooths out the flavors. Finally, cilantro adds a fresh touch. Use this list to prepare a delightful meal that is full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the Chicken To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1.5 lbs of cubed chicken breast. Then, mix in 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and sprinkle salt to taste. Stir well until the chicken is coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge. Cooking the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Look for a nice golden color and make sure it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later. Sautéing Onions In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, toss in 1 large finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and golden brown. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Combining Tomato Puree Next, add 2 medium tomatoes that have been pureed. Stir this mixture and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the oil starts to separate from the sauce. This means you’re on the right track! Mixing in Chicken and Cream Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir everything together. This will create a rich sauce that envelops the chicken. Simmering the Dish Allow the dish to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step is key for melding all the flavors together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add 1 teaspoon of sugar. It balances the flavors nicely. Enjoy the process, and you will create a dish that’s full of flavor! - Ensuring Bold Flavors: Marination is crucial for great butter chicken. Start with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. These ingredients infuse the chicken with deep, rich flavors. Make sure to coat every piece of chicken well. This step sets the stage for a delicious dish. - Overnight Marination Benefits: I always recommend marinating overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in deeper. It also makes the chicken more tender. If you’re short on time, an hour will still work well. But for the best taste, let it sit in the fridge overnight. - Optimal Cooking Temperatures: Cook the chicken on medium heat. This prevents it from burning while ensuring it cooks through. Use a skillet to get a nice browning effect. It adds great color and texture to your dish. - Avoiding Dry Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until it is just cooked. Also, remember to add the chicken back to the sauce. This helps retain moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. - Best Accompaniments: Butter chicken pairs well with basmati rice or naan. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, while naan is perfect for scooping. Both options are great for a complete meal. - Presentation Ideas: Serve the butter chicken in a warm bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Place a side of rice or naan on a vibrant plate. This makes your meal look even more inviting and delicious. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor profile. It enhances the creaminess of the sauce without adding extra salt. Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the red chili powder based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired spice level. Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the dish. Add it just before serving for maximum freshness. {{image_2}} Authentic Indian styles of butter chicken often use a tandoor. This oven cooks the chicken quickly and gives it a smoky flavor. In India, chefs may add cashew paste for creaminess and nuts for texture. You can also find regional spices like fenugreek leaves to enhance the taste. In the U.S., butter chicken takes on a different twist. Many recipes simplify the cooking process. Some cooks use canned tomato sauce to save time. You might also find it served with a side of tacos or even in a burrito. This makes it more accessible to everyone. If you want to swap out chicken, try using tofu or paneer. These alternatives soak up flavors well and work great in the sauce. Tofu is a good choice for a plant-based meal. Paneer adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. For those who need dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice, rich taste while keeping the dish plant-based. You can also use non-dairy yogurt for marination. You can adjust spice levels to fit your taste. If you like it mild, cut back on the red chili powder. For extra heat, add more chili powder or fresh green chilies. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect balance. Adding vegetables can also make this dish more nutritious. Try including bell peppers, peas, or spinach. These veggies add color and flavor to your butter chicken. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh touch. To keep your butter chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. - Freezing Instructions: You can freeze butter chicken too! Use a freezer-safe container. It lasts for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps retain flavors and texture. When it comes to reheating, these methods work best: - Best Methods for Reheating: Use a stovetop or microwave. For stovetop, heat gently in a pan. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: Add a splash of cream or water when reheating. This keeps the dish moist. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy your butter chicken just like the first time! Butter chicken comes from India. It started in the 1950s in Delhi. Chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant created it. They mixed leftover chicken with tomatoes, butter, and spices. This dish quickly gained fame. Today, it represents Indian cuisine worldwide. Butter chicken has deep cultural roots. It reflects India's rich cooking traditions. The dish shows how food can bring people together. It is a favorite at family dinners and celebrations. Yes, you can make butter chicken ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. Cook the chicken and sauce together, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Making butter chicken in advance improves the flavor. The spices blend and create a rich taste. Reheating the dish makes it just as good. Great side dishes for butter chicken include basmati rice and naan. Basmati rice soaks up the sauce well. Naan is perfect for dipping. Both add texture and balance to the meal. You can also serve butter chicken with cucumber salad. This adds a fresh crunch and brightens the plate. Pairing it with a mango chutney adds sweetness. These sides enhance the overall dining experience. This post has covered how to create a delicious Butter Chicken. We discussed the necessary ingredients, from chicken and marinade to sauce and garnish. I also shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for great flavor. Remember, marinating overnight boosts taste, while the right cooking temps help keep the chicken tender. Try the suggested variations or serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your cooking, and make this dish your own!

Butter Chicken Bliss

A creamy and flavorful butter chicken dish that is perfect for serving with rice or naan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving cooked basmati rice or naan

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor).
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and golden brown. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, optionally adding sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Once the sauce is thick and creamy, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with cooked basmati rice or naan.

Notes

Serve the butter chicken in a warm bowl, garnished with a sprig of cilantro and paired with a side of rice or naan on a vibrant plate for a colorful meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken recipe, Indian cuisine