Easy Halal Butter Chicken Recipe

The aroma of spices wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day as you imagine the lusciousness of butter chicken. This dish invites you into a world where creamy tomato sauce meets tender chicken in a delicious embrace that dances on your taste buds.

Picture this: it’s your best friend’s birthday party. The table is overflowing with food, but your eyes are glued to the steaming bowl of butter chicken. You take a bite, and it feels like fireworks in your mouth! That memory is forever etched in my mind, reminding me why I love this dish so much—perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

I once served this for dinner at a family gathering and was met with nothing but smiles and happy bellies.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; they cook evenly and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves; they add robust flavor that makes all the difference.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a zesty kick that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly.
• Onion: Use yellow onion for sweetness; it caramelizes nicely in the sauce while adding depth.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they create a richer sauce when blended.
• Cream: Heavy cream enriches the sauce; don’t skimp on it if you want that velvety texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): These spices bring warmth and complexity; fresh ground is always best!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together perfectly.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness; don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and mincing garlic and ginger finely to release their aromatic qualities. Set these aside as you’ll need them shortly.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter. Add onions first and sauté until they turn golden brown and sweet-smelling—around 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Toss in minced garlic and ginger into the pan with onions. Sauté until fragrant—approximately 1-2 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala along with canned tomatoes. Allow everything to simmer together for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.

Blend It Smoothly: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender (carefully!) to puree until smooth. Return it to the pan and get ready for some serious deliciousness.

Add Chicken Pieces : Toss in your boneless skinless chicken pieces into that beautiful sauce! Cover and let simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Finish With Cream : Finally, stir in heavy cream along with additional salt if needed. Let it simmer again for about 5 more minutes until it’s luscious and creamy.

Garnish & Serve : Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over your masterpiece before serving it hot with rice or warm naan bread—enjoy every bite!

With each spoonful of this buttery delight melting in your mouth, you’ll find yourself transported back to those special moments shared around the dinner table with loved ones. So gather everyone around because this simple yet elegant dish brings everyone together!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the best butter chicken, sauté your spices first, then sear the marinated chicken before simmering in sauce. This method ensures deep flavor and tender meat.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in paneer for a vegetarian version or add more chilies for heat. Experimenting with yogurt or coconut milk can also enhance creaminess.

Storing & Reheating

Store butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to preserve its creamy texture.

Sharing butter chicken with friends led to countless laughter-filled dinners, where everyone fought over the last piece of naan to scoop up every bit of that luscious sauce.

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Easy Halal Butter Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Experience the rich, creamy flavors of this easy halal butter chicken recipe—a perfect dish for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté the onions until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Add the garlic and ginger; sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in spices and canned tomatoes; simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Blend the sauce until smooth, then return it to the pan.
6. Add chicken pieces to the sauce; cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Stir in heavy cream and additional salt if needed; simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with cilantro before serving hot with rice or naan.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas. - Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder based on your preference. - Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.