Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: Irresistible Indian Delight 🍽️🍗🌶️
1. Introduction
Discover the secrets of making butter chicken at home with this easy butter chicken recipe. Known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chunks of chicken, this homemade chicken curry is a beloved Indian dish that can be prepared quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, our step-by-step guide guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal, bringing the authentic taste of India right to your dinner table. This irresistible Indian butter chicken recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
2. Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-step instructions
Preparation of the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken for easy butter chicken recipe. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step is vital for developing the rich aroma typical of butter chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes, mixing well with the chicken. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For extra creaminess, pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
Final Touch and Serving
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve your homemade irresistible indian butter chicken with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal. Discover more delicious quick flavorful dinner ideas.
4. Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious for your next meal.
5. Serving suggestions
This homemade butter chicken is perfect with steamed basmati rice or fluffy naan bread. For a healthier option, serve it with a side of healthy broccoli pasta. For more Indian-inspired dishes, explore our chicken shawarma calories.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best cut of chicken for butter chicken?
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work best for easy butter chicken recipe due to their tenderness and quick cooking time. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian variation of butter chicken.
How do I make this recipe spicy?
Add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies during cooking to increase the heat level, customizing the dish to your spice preference.
7. External Resources & Additional Tips
For authentic flavors, you might want to try different spices or use homemade garam masala. For quality ingredients, check out reviews at The Spice Store. Consider using a high-quality blender to make smooth tomato purees or to process herbs for garnish. Elevate your cooking with tools like a cast-iron skillet or a slow cooker, access more recipes at our chicken recipes.
8. Related Recipes
9. Conclusion
In summary, this easy homemade butter chicken recipe offers an authentic and flavorful Indian dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With minimal ingredients and an uncomplicated process, you can enjoy irresistible indian butter chicken whenever craving a comforting and savory meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of India at home!
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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: Irresistible Indian Delight
Discover how to make easy homemade butter chicken, an irresistible Indian dish with tender chicken chunks in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this flavorful recipe brings authentic Indian flavors right to your kitchen. Experience the magic of spices and creamy sauces with this simple yet delicious butter chicken recipe.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to marinate the chicken. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Pour in heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- For extra spice, add chopped green chilies or more chili powder.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
