Butter chicken is not just a dish; it’s a flavor bomb that explodes with creamy goodness and aromatic spices. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a luscious, buttery sauce that smells like heaven. Maple Dijon Chicken bowls Now, who wouldn’t want to dive into that?
Picture this: a cold winter evening, you’ve had a long day, and the thought of a comforting plate of butter chicken makes everything seem right again. It’s the type of meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, laughter echoing as you sip on your favorite drink while savoring each delightful bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful butter chicken recipe simplifies meal prep without sacrificing taste
- The vibrant colors and rich aromas create an inviting atmosphere for any gathering
- Easily adjust spice levels to cater to all tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers
A memory comes to mind where I made this dish for my friends’ game night. Their delighted expressions were priceless as they devoured every last bit! Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces, adjusting based on your crowd size or appetite.
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Yogurt: Opt for plain yogurt; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while adding tanginess.
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Fresh Ginger: A key player here; fresh ginger brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
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Garlic: The more garlic, the merrier! Fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma and taste.
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Canned Tomatoes: Choose whole or crushed tomatoes; they create a rich base for your sauce.
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Cream: Heavy cream adds the luxurious texture we all crave in butter chicken.
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Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): These spices are essential for authentic flavor; use fresh if possible!
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Butter: Because it’s called butter chicken for a reason! Use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those incredible flavors.
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Cilantro (for garnish): Adds freshness and color right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Honey Garlic Chicken pairing Add cubed chicken breasts and let them soak in this flavorful bath for at least 30 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet until melted. Add diced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Toss in canned tomatoes along with garam masala. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and smells irresistible. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Peanut Chicken Recipe recipe.
Blend the Sauce Smoothly : Remove from heat and let cool briefly before carefully blending until smooth. This step creates that silky texture we all love!
Add Chicken & Cream : Return the blended sauce to the skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken pieces along with heavy cream—stir well to combine everything nicely.
Simmer to Perfection : Allow everything to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken cooks through completely. Garnish with cilantro just before serving.
Now you have a plate of warm buttery goodness ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with naan or steamed rice—the choice is yours!
You Must Know
- This flavorful butter chicken recipe makes for a comforting, aromatic meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day
- The rich sauce and tender chicken create a delightful experience that’s hard to resist, especially with naan bread on the side
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance flavor, then sauté onions and spices before adding tomato puree and cream for a luscious sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping chicken for tofu or adding extra veggies like bell peppers or peas for added texture. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Italian Chicken and Peppers recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly seasoned butter chicken, blend your spices into the marinade for maximum flavor impact
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt and spice levels as needed
- Serve with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness
Cooking butter chicken was always my family’s secret weapon during gatherings. Everyone loved it so much that I had to double the recipe just to have leftovers! Festive Crescent Ring recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this flavorful butter chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Pair it with basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or fresh green chilies to your sauce.
Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy, spiced sauce, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe captures the essence of traditional flavor while simplifying the cooking process, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the rich aroma of spices filling your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish, which pairs beautifully with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes and garam masala; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- 4. Blend Sauce: Remove from heat and blend the mixture until smooth.
- 5. Cook Chicken: Return sauce to skillet; add marinated chicken and heavy cream. Stir well and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 6. Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan or rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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