Butter Chicken Recipe is made of tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce this dish serves 4 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare, making it a flavorful and hearty meal for any occasion.
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💛 Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The velvety tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and cream, creates an indulgent dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Restaurant-Style Taste at Home: With perfectly balanced spices and a luxurious sauce, this recipe rivals any restaurant Butter Chicken. It’s the ultimate homemade treat.
- Loved by All: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, appreciated by adults and kids alike at family dinners, gatherings, or celebrations. Its universal appeal makes it a go-to recipe.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spices like turmeric and cumin, this dish is both flavorful and wholesome.
❓ What Is Butter Chicken Recipe?
Butter Chicken Recipe is a North Indian dish featuring marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, offering a luxurious dining experience.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cashew paste
- Chopped nuts (almonds or cashews) for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
🥘 Instructions:
- Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken cubes, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté onions until golden. Add tomato puree, cashew paste, sugar, garam masala, and salt.
- Cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Add the cooked chicken and cream to the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with chopped nuts and cilantro. Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender chicken pieces. Thighs retain moisture better, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Toast Your Nuts for Garnishing: Toast cashews or almonds lightly before garnishing. This simple step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to your Butter Chicken.
- Opt for Tomato Freshness: Canned tomato puree is convenient, but fresh, ripe tomatoes provide a more vibrant, authentic taste. Blanch and puree fresh tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Always simmer the sauce on low heat. This slow cooking process allows the spices and flavors to meld beautifully, giving the dish its signature richness.
🍚 What To Serve With Butter Chicken?
Serve Butter Chicken with naan, steamed basmati rice, or parathas pair it with a cucumber raita or green salad for a refreshing contrast.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Butter Chicken?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Butter Chicken?
- In The Oven: Microwave leftover butter chicken in a covered dish stirring halfway through to ensure even heating for up 3-4 minutes.
- In The Stovetop: Heat leftover butter chicken on low adding a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture for up 5 minutes stir occasionally.
FAQs
What is Butter Chicken, and where did it originate?
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s, created by Kundan Lal Gujral at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant.
What makes Butter Chicken unique from other chicken curries?
Butter Chicken stands out due to its creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. Unlike other curries, it balances sweetness, tanginess, and richness, making it milder and more accessible to those who prefer less heat in their food.
What is the best way to marinate chicken for Butter Chicken?
The best way to marinate chicken for Butter Chicken is to use yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Marinating for at least 2 hours or overnight enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat.
How spicy is Butter Chicken compared to other Indian curries?
Butter Chicken is relatively mild compared to curries like Vindaloo or Madras. It has a subtle heat balanced by the creaminess of the sauce, making it suitable for those who prefer less spicy food.
What is the secret to a rich and creamy Butter Chicken sauce?
The secret lies in slow simmering the tomato base with spices and incorporating fresh cream and butter at the end. Using cashew paste or almond paste can add extra creaminess and richness.
What is the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
While both dishes are tomato-based, Butter Chicken is milder, creamier, and often sweeter, with more butter and cream. Chicken Tikka Masala has a spicier, tangier flavor profile and uses more yogurt in the sauce.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 452
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Butter Chicken Recipe
Description
Butter Chicken Recipe is made of tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce this dish serves 4 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare, making it a flavorful and hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken cubes, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté onions until golden. Add tomato puree, cashew paste, sugar, garam masala, and salt.
- Cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Add the cooked chicken and cream to the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with chopped nuts and cilantro. Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
Notes
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender chicken pieces. Thighs retain moisture better, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Toast Your Nuts for Garnishing: Toast cashews or almonds lightly before garnishing. This simple step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to your Butter Chicken.
Opt for Tomato Freshness: Canned tomato puree is convenient, but fresh, ripe tomatoes provide a more vibrant, authentic taste. Blanch and puree fresh tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Always simmer the sauce on low heat. This slow cooking process allows the spices and flavors to meld beautifully, giving the dish its signature richness.