Indian Butter Chicken
A rich and creamy dish that envelops tender chicken in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, spiced perfectly for a harmonious balance.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into tender cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt for marinating
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice bright and zesty
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin warm and earthy
- 1 teaspoon garam masala a fragrant blend of spices
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander adding depth and flavor
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder vibrant and colorful
- Salt to taste Salt
For the Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for richness
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped for sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced for aromatics
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated for warmth
- 1 cup tomato puree the base of the sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream to finish the sauce with creaminess
- Fresh cilantro Fresh cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly. Add the chicken cubes and toss until they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- For deeper flavor, allow it to marinate for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions turn golden brown.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
Add the Tomato Puree
- Pour in the tomato puree, allowing it to meld with the chicken and spices. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Cream
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Taste & Adjust
- After simmering, taste your butter chicken and add salt as needed to balance the flavors.
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish and serve warm, paired with steamed rice or freshly made naan.
Notes
Consider using bone-in chicken for richer flavor and adjust the cooking time. You can add sugar for a touch of sweetness or green chilies for spice. Explore different spices or vegetables to personalize your dish.