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To make this easy butter chicken, gather these simple items: - 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cubed - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - 1 cup plain yogurt - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons butter - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish If you lack some items, you can swap them easily. Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. You can replace ginger-garlic paste with fresh ginger and garlic. Greek yogurt works well if plain yogurt is not on hand. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a good choice. To boost the flavor of your butter chicken, consider using fresh spices. Whole spices like cardamom or bay leaves can add depth. Fresh cilantro not only garnishes but also brightens the dish. Squeeze some lemon juice before serving for a zesty kick. Lastly, adding a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. Then, stir in 1 cup of plain yogurt. Make sure all the chicken gets coated well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight. This step helps the spices soak into the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown. This adds a nice base flavor to your dish. Next, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is no longer pink. This ensures even cooking throughout. Now it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. After simmering, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix everything well until it's creamy and heated through. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Finally, season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken! To cook chicken just right, use boneless chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each piece space to cook evenly. Stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken apart. To boost flavor, add fresh ginger and garlic. They give a bright taste to the dish. Use fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish. This adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle a bit of lemon juice before serving. It gives a nice zing that balances the creaminess. Serve butter chicken in a deep dish. Drizzle it with cream for a rich look. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of green. Pair it with warm naan or steamed rice. This makes a complete meal that everyone loves. For extra taste, offer some cucumber salad on the side. It adds crunch and freshness. Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, enhancing the dish's overall taste. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder butter chicken, reduce the amount of garam masala and turmeric. You can always add more at the end if needed! Use Ghee for Authentic Flavor: Substitute butter with ghee for a more authentic Indian flavor. Ghee has a higher smoke point and adds richness to the dish. Fresh Herbs Matter: Always use fresh cilantro for garnish. It adds a vibrant flavor and a pop of color that enhances the dish's presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in butter chicken. Try using shrimp, lamb, or even turkey. Each option brings its unique taste. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for different proteins. For shrimp, cook until they turn pink. Lamb may need longer to become tender. This flexibility keeps the dish fresh and exciting! For a vegetarian version, use paneer or tofu. Both options soak up the sauce well. Cut the paneer or tofu into cubes and marinate like the chicken. Cook them until golden before adding the tomatoes and cream. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This makes the dish hearty and satisfying. If you love heat, make a spicy butter chicken. Add chopped green chilies or red chili powder to the marinade. You can also toss in some crushed red pepper while cooking. This variation gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic recipe with a fiery twist! To store your butter chicken, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Pour the cooled butter chicken into the container. Leave a little space at the top, as it will expand. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the butter chicken in a pan. Heat it on low, stirring often, until hot. If using a microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to make sure it heats evenly. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish. It features tender chicken in a creamy sauce. The sauce includes spices, tomatoes, and butter. I love its rich, savory flavor. You can enjoy it with rice or naan. The dish originated in Delhi, India, and has become famous worldwide. Its combination of spices makes it a favorite for many. Yes, you can easily make butter chicken in a slow cooker. Start by marinating the chicken as usual. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. This includes the chicken, spices, tomatoes, and yogurt. Set it on low for about 6 to 8 hours. You will have a tasty and tender dish at the end. Just add cream and butter before serving. To adjust the spice level, try these tips. If you like it milder, reduce the spices. Use less garam masala and cumin. You can also add more cream or yogurt. This will cool down the heat. For a spicier dish, add chili powder or fresh chilies. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right heat for your taste. In this guide, we explored making Butter Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, how to cook the chicken, and tips for extra flavor. You learned about different variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Butter Chicken is fun to make and adjust to your taste. With these steps, you can create a dish that everyone loves. Enjoy cooking and get ready for a tasty meal!

Creamy Butter Chicken Delight

A rich and creamy butter chicken dish with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
  • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
  • Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream and butter. Mix well until everything is creamy and heated through. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt to taste and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with warm naan or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, creamy, Indian cuisine