Quick Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Discover the rich flavors of butter chicken
Butter chicken is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide and for a good reason. Its creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce combined with tender, perfectly cooked chicken creates a comforting and flavor-packed meal that’s hard to resist. This homemade butter chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your own home.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
What you’ll need to make this recipe
1. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Yogurt for marination
3. Lemon juice for added tanginess
4. Garlic, finely minced
5. Ginger, finely minced
6. Garam masala for depth of flavor
7. Turmeric for vibrant color
8. Ground cumin for a warm spice note
9. Paprika for a hint of smokiness
10. Butter, essential for the creamy sauce
11. Tomato puree for the base of the sauce
12. Heavy cream to enrich the dish
13. Salt and pepper to taste
14. Fresh cilantro for garnish
Prep Time
Get started with marination and basic preparation
This delicious butter chicken recipe begins with a quick marination of the chicken in yogurt and spices, ensuring the meat is infused with flavor and remains tender after cooking. The preparation includes chopping, measuring, and organizing your ingredients to make the cooking process effortless and enjoyable.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Crafting and serving the perfect butter chicken
The cooking process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Starting with cooking the marinated chicken, you’ll then build the creamy tomato sauce before combining both to create a mouthwatering dish ready to serve. In total, this recipe takes just under an hour, making it a quick option for a hearty meal. This recipe yields a generous portion, serving four, and pairs beautifully with freshly cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread, creating a complete and satisfying meal for family or friends.
Enjoy preparing this vibrant and flavorful dish in your kitchen!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
– Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
– In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
– Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
– Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, if possible, for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
– Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
– Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
– In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
– Sauté finely chopped onions until they are soft and golden brown.
– Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until aromatic.
– Stir in pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce
– Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender.
– Blend the mixture until smooth and then strain it back into the pan to remove any chunks for a velvety-smooth sauce.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
– Reheat the sauce over low-medium heat and slowly stir in heavy cream to achieve a rich and creamy texture.
– Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices, if necessary.
Step 7: Add the Cooked Chicken
– Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Stir in a final tablespoon of butter during the last few minutes for extra richness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
– Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro.
– Serve hot with rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.
Notes
Note 1: Marination Tips
– Letting the chicken marinate longer (up to 24 hours) helps enhance the depth of flavor, but a quick 30-minute marination is still effective for a delicious result.
Note 2: Cream Substitute
– If heavy cream is unavailable, you can use coconut cream or cashew paste for a dairy-free option.
Note 3: Adjusting Spice Levels
– Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice preference for a mild or spicy butter chicken.
Note 4: Sauce Consistency
– Straining the sauce and blending it creates the signature velvety-smooth texture of authentic butter chicken.
Note 5: Reheating Leftovers
– Reheat leftovers gently over low heat to avoid burning the sauce, and add a splash of water or cream to loosen it if it thickens too much.
Note 6: Serving Suggestions
– Butter chicken pairs best with steamed basmati rice or fresh naan for an authentic experience.
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Cook techniques
Marinate the Chicken
Let the chicken pieces marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures tender and flavorful chicken.
Sauté the Onions
Cook the onions until golden brown. This process enhances the flavor base of the sauce.
Create a Tomato Base
Cook tomato puree with spices to develop a rich and creamy base for the butter chicken sauce.
Blend the Sauce
Blend the cooked tomato mixture until smooth. This produces the creamy consistency butter chicken is known for.
Cook the Chicken Separately
Sear the marinated chicken pieces until cooked through. Add them to the sauce later for the best texture and flavor.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Mix the seared chicken with the blended sauce to bring all the flavors together for the final dish.
Add Cream and Butter
Fold in fresh cream and butter as the final step. This adds richness and the signature smooth texture.
FAQ
What makes butter chicken creamy?
The creaminess of butter chicken comes from the use of fresh cream and butter, added during the final stages of cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for even better flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
Can I use canned tomato puree?
Yes, canned tomato puree can be used for convenience, but fresh tomato puree can enhance the overall flavor.
Can I make butter chicken without blending the sauce?
Blending the sauce ensures a smooth and creamy texture, which is essential for authentic butter chicken. However, you can skip this step if you prefer a chunky consistency.
How can I make it spicier?
To make the dish spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add freshly chopped green chilies to the sauce.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, but you can pair it with other sides of your choice.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or even shrimp to create variations of this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container and freezing for up to 2 months.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream to reach your preferred consistency. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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Conclusion
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a perfect solution for a comforting and flavorful meal. Its creamy, spiced sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a family favorite. Whether served with rice, naan, or salad, this dish promises to be a satisfying addition to your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Naan
Pair your butter chicken with warm, fluffy garlic naan to soak up the rich and creamy sauce.
Steamed Basmati Rice
Serve butter chicken over a bed of aromatic, steamed basmati rice for a classic and wholesome meal.
Vegetable Samosas
Add a side of crispy vegetable samosas for a filling and complementary side dish.
Cucumber Raita
A refreshing cucumber raita adds a cool and creamy contrast to the spiced butter chicken.
Chana Masala
If you’re hosting, pair butter chicken with chana masala for a delightful combination of flavors.
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