Description
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices and a hint of sweetness. This comforting and luxurious meal is simple to prepare, customizable to your spice preference, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or cashew cream
- 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it is almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté ginger-garlic paste until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add garam masala, chili powder, and tomato puree. Cook while stirring until the oil starts to separate from the sauce and the mixture is aromatic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook fully.
- Add Cream and Kasuri Methi: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and crushed kasuri methi. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is silky smooth and creamy.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sugar if needed. Finish with a dollop of butter for extra richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken well to ensure it turns out tender and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the butter; it’s essential for the dish’s creamy texture and rich taste.
- Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Start with less chili powder and adjust as you cook to control the spice level.
- Cook the tomato sauce thoroughly to mellow acidity and deepen flavor.
- Crush kasuri methi before adding to release its distinctive aroma.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg