Ultimate Butter Chicken Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Butter Chicken with our ultimate recipe that is both easy and delicious. This dish, originally from the Indian subcontinent, has gained global popularity for its creamy, tomato-based sauce and succulent chicken pieces. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving some comfort food, this recipe promises a culinary journey to remember.

Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 150g butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

👨‍🍳 Note: Using boneless chicken makes for a more tender outcome, but if you prefer, chicken with bones can also be used.

Preparation Steps

Here’s how you can make your Butter Chicken at home:

Marinating the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken:

1. Combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, and paprika in a large bowl.
2. Add the chicken pieces, mix well, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Cooking the Chicken

Once marinated, it’s time to cook:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the chicken in a bit of oil until done.

Making the Sauce

Now for the creamy, flavorful sauce:

1. In a large pan, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions, sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in the tomato puree, then add salt, remaining spices, and kasuri methi. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Lower the heat, add cream, and stir well. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Add the remaining butter, allow it to melt into the sauce, enhancing its richness.
6. Place the cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring the pieces are well-coated. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🍲 Note: For a richer sauce, you can blend the sauce after cooking to make it smoother before adding the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your butter chicken hot:

• Garnish with a handful of fresh cilantro.
• Accompany with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
• For an authentic experience, you can also serve it with raita or pickle on the side.

Thus, our ultimate Butter Chicken journey concludes with a feast for the senses. Its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly spiced chicken offer a meal that's both comforting and exotic. Experiment with this recipe, adjusting the heat and richness to your preference. Whether it's a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish will elevate your culinary repertoire, leaving your guests and yourself craving for more.

Can I make Butter Chicken spicier?

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Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies to the sauce to elevate the heat level according to your taste.

Is there a vegan version of Butter Chicken?

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Yes, you can make a vegan version using ingredients like tofu or plant-based meat substitutes instead of chicken, and coconut cream in place of dairy cream.

Can I prepare Butter Chicken ahead of time?

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Butter Chicken tastes even better when reheated. You can prepare the sauce and chicken the day before, then reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.