Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen where the tantalizing aroma of spices dances in the air, beckoning you to the stove. The rich, creamy texture of a delicious butter chicken recipe is just waiting to envelop your taste buds in a warm embrace, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.
Picture this: A bustling family gathering, laughter filling the room, and that first spoonful of buttery goodness swirling with spices igniting joy and satisfaction in every bite. This is not just food; it’s an experience meant to bring people together around the dinner table, sharing stories and creating lasting memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This butter chicken recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that’s visually stunning and aromatic
- It’s perfect for meal prep or as a comforting weekend feast that everyone will enjoy
I remember the first time I made butter chicken; my friends were practically fighting over the last piece of naan.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken is key; use 3-4 pieces depending on your crowd size.
-
Fresh Garlic: Be generous with firm cloves for a flavorful punch.
-
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; peel it for maximum flavor.
-
Onion: A finely chopped onion gives sweetness when sautéed to perfection.
-
Tomato Puree: Use high-quality puree for that rich red color and robust taste.
-
Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish luxuriously smooth; half-and-half can be used too.
-
Butter: Of course, you can’t have butter chicken without plenty of butter for richness.
-
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): A blend of these spices brings authentic flavor; don’t hold back.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
-
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro elevates both flavor and presentation at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper while contemplating how good this will taste later.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until it sizzles. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—about five minutes should do it.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger next. Cook until fragrant—your kitchen will start smelling like heaven!
Create the Sauce Base: Pour in tomato puree followed by cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together while marveling at that vibrant red hue—it’s practically begging you to dive in!
Cook the Chicken: Add your seasoned chicken pieces into the sauce, stirring well to coat them completely. Let them simmer gently on low heat for about 20 minutes until they’re cooked through.
Finish with Cream: Stir in heavy cream for that luscious texture we all crave. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes before giving yourself a high-five because you just made something amazing!
This butter chicken recipe isn’t just food; it’s comfort wrapped up in flavors that sing! Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for an unforgettable meal experience that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This butter chicken recipe is a flavor explosion; it balances spices beautifully with creamy richness
- You can adjust the spice level based on your preference, making it a family favorite
- The enticing aroma fills your kitchen, promising a delightful meal ahead
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Sear it until golden, then prepare your sauce while the chicken cooks for tender results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular yogurt for Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Add some spinach for color and nutrition, or toss in cashews for crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, don’t skip marinating—this step infuses flavor deeply
- Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground for vibrant taste
- Remember to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning makes all the difference!
Cooking this butter chicken recipe reminds me of my first family gathering where I bravely decided to impress everyone with my culinary skills.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this butter chicken recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating for the best results.
How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?
The spice level is adjustable; add less chili powder if you prefer milder flavors.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up that delicious sauce!
Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces. This easy-to-follow recipe captures all the classic flavors while being simple enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan to create a memorable dining experience that brings family and friends together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato puree, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Add seasoned chicken; stir to coat. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream; simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor. Substitute Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or add spinach/cashews for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.