The moment you step into a kitchen filled with spices that tantalize your senses and warm your heart, you know something magical is about to happen. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken swimming in a velvety sauce that’s both rich and fragrant, promising a flavor explosion that will have you dreaming of India. This butter chicken recipe Indian style is not just another dish; it’s an experience that invites laughter and joy around the dinner table.
Now imagine the delightful chaos of family gatherings with everyone clamoring for just one more scoop of that buttery goodness. You’ll want to grab extra naan because let’s be honest; no one can resist dipping into that luscious sauce. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This butter chicken recipe Indian offers an easy cooking experience without sacrificing flavor
- The creamy texture and aromatic spices create a feast for both the eyes and palate
- Perfect for serving over rice or with fresh naan, it adapts beautifully to any meal setting
- You’ll find yourself making this comforting dish again and again
As I recall my first attempt at making this divine dish, it was met with cheers from my friends who devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: I recommend using thighs for their juiciness; they stay tender during cooking.
- Butter: You can’t have butter chicken without a generous amount of real butter for that authentic richness.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce; don’t skimp on it for ultimate indulgence!
- Tomato Puree: Gives the sauce its vibrant color; opt for high-quality puree for best results.
- Garam Masala: A spice blend essential for authentic flavor—don’t even think about skipping this!
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are non-negotiable; they provide depth and warmth in every bite.
- Cilantro (Coriander): Use freshly chopped cilantro as a garnish for added flavor and color contrast.
For the Sauce:
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices enhance the flavor profile; I prefer using smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the dish; balance out the richness with some acidity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes everything easier as you cook.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better!
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Add Tomato Puree: Pour in your tomato puree along with garam masala. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened; enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the skillet and stir to coat thoroughly in that glorious sauce. Cook until no longer pink—around 15-20 minutes depending on size.
Add Cream: Lower heat slightly before stirring in heavy cream; let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally until everything melds beautifully together—about 5 minutes.
Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro alongside rice or naan for an unforgettable meal.
Enjoy each bite as you savor this delightful adventure through flavors! With every scoop of buttery goodness on your plate comes a reminder of why we all love comfort food so much—it brings us together!
You Must Know
- This delightful butter chicken recipe Indian offers a burst of flavors with its creamy tomato sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser
- The aromatic spices and tender chicken create an irresistible dish that pairs perfectly with naan or rice
- A true comfort food experience!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to infuse maximum flavor. Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger and garlic for aroma. Next, add tomato puree, followed by the marinated chicken, ensuring even cooking and a rich sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter version. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg to personalize your butter chicken recipe Indian. Adding spinach can also enhance nutrition without compromising taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh spices to enhance flavor; stale spices can ruin your dish
- Marinating overnight yields even more tenderness and depth of flavor
- Don’t skip the garnishing step—fresh cilantro adds brightness and visual appeal!
My first attempt at this butter chicken recipe Indian was met with enthusiastic applause from my family. Their praises made me realize I could actually cook something delicious!
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to your butter chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of butter chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread or basmati rice pairs perfectly with this creamy butter chicken recipe Indian.
Butter Chicken Recipe Indian Style
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this creamy, flavorful butter chicken recipe that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp coriander powder, 2 tsp garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add chicken; marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).
- 2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- 3. Prepare sauce: Stir in tomato puree and garam masala; simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- 4. Cook chicken: Add marinated chicken to the skillet; cook until no longer pink (15-20 minutes).
- 5. Add cream: Lower heat slightly, stir in heavy cream, and let simmer for 5 minutes until well combined. Serve hot with cilantro garnish alongside naan or rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
