Craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor? This butter chicken is a classic Indian recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Delhi. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with your culinary skills.
Imagine tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and finished with a swirl of buttery cream. This recipe combines convenience and taste, ensuring you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time.
Flavor Profile of Butter Chicken
The rich and creamy taste of butter chicken is nothing short of delightful. A blend of aromatic spices creates a warm and inviting flavor that coats each tender piece of chicken. The tomato base adds a slight sweetness, while the cream enhances the overall richness, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Cooking Process Breakdown
Preparation starts with marinating chicken in yogurt and spices.
This step is key to infusing flavor and tenderizing the meat.
After the chicken is sautéed, onions and tomato puree come together to form a luscious sauce, culminating in the final addition of cream for that signature richness.
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with warm naan or fluffy steamed rice.
These sides not only complement the dish but also help soak up the velvety sauce.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
Perfect Pairings
Tips for Success
Delicious and Easy Butter Chicken
This butter chicken offers a perfect balance of spices and creaminess, providing a delightful experience with each bite. The sauce is rich and velvety, making it the ideal pairing with naan or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
