Creamy Dreamy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Taste of India at Home

Tender chunks of chicken simmer luxuriously in a creamy butter chicken recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

The rich, velvety sauce whispers tales of Indian street food and home-cooked comfort.

Aromatic spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that warm the soul.

Marinated chicken transforms into a delectable masterpiece with layers of complexity and depth.

Fragrant garam masala and smooth tomato base meld together, creating an irresistible dish that beckons you to the table.

Restaurants can’t compete with this homemade version that brings authentic taste directly to your kitchen.

One spoonful will transport you to the bustling streets of Delhi, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion.

Butter Chicken: Rich, Creamy, Absolutely Irresistible

• Dive into a mouthwatering journey of rich, aromatic Indian cuisine that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Break down intimidating restaurant-style dishes into simple, manageable steps that even beginner cooks can confidently tackle.
• Create a delicious meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, with customizable spice levels and universal appeal.
• Prepare ahead by marinating overnight, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or planning delightful weekend dinners with minimal last-minute stress.

Core Ingredients For A Classic Butter Chicken Dish

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this classic Indian dish.

• Yogurt: Tenderizes and adds tangy flavor to the chicken during marination.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Provide rich, smooth texture and creamy consistency to the sauce.

• Onions, Ginger, Garlic: Create a flavorful base and add depth to the sauce.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Turmeric, Cinnamon Stick: Deliver authentic Indian spice profile and complex flavor layers.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall sauce texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds acidity and forms the base of the sauce.

• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and spices.

• Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the chicken and preventing sticking.

Kitchen Tools For Luscious Butter Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating the sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for preparing ingredients like onions and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, ginger, and garlic.
• Measuring spoons: Critical for accurately measuring spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for precise liquid measurements.
• Mixing bowl: Used for marinating chicken with yogurt and spices.

The Step-By-Step Guide To Creamy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Infuse Chicken with Flavor

Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, and garam masala in a large bowl.

Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot pan, browning each side until a beautiful golden crust forms, about 6 minutes total.

Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Garam masala
• Ground coriander
• Chili powder
• Turmeric
• Whole cinnamon stick

Stir and cook for one minute until the spices release their intoxicating aroma.

Step 4: Create Luscious Sauce

• Browned chicken
• Crushed tomatoes
• Pinch of sugar

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Elegance

Stir in heavy cream, transforming the sauce into a velvety, luxurious coating.

Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish.

Serve the butter chicken atop steamed rice, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that will delight your taste buds.

Pro Hints For Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken

• Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture overnight to enhance tenderness and absorb deep, rich flavors more effectively.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and develops a delicious caramelized taste.
• Toast whole spices briefly to release their essential oils, creating a more intense and authentic flavor profile for your butter chicken.
• Add cream gradually and stir gently to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over roasted vegetables for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this classic dish.

Butter Chicken Flavor Swaps And New Ideas

• Vegan Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan. Swap dairy yogurt for coconut yogurt and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Enhance plant-based protein by marinating alternative protein thoroughly.
• Lighter Protein Version: Substitute chicken with lean turkey or chicken breast. Reduce cream amount and use Greek yogurt for lower-fat content. Skip butter and use olive oil for healthier preparation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free garam masala and replace wheat-based ingredients with cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening. Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.

Creative Ways To Serve Up Butter Chicken

• Flavor-Packed Rice Companion: Serve butter chicken atop fluffy basmati rice, allowing the creamy sauce to beautifully coat each grain for a delicious meal.
• Cultural Feast Finale: Pair with warm naan bread or traditional roti to soak up the rich, spicy sauce and complete the authentic Indian dining experience.
• Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of cooling yogurt on top to balance the intense flavors and add a bright, refreshing element.
• Elegant Side Suggestion: Complement the dish with a simple cucumber salad or quick pickled onions to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy butter chicken.

Keeping Butter Chicken Creamy

• Transfer leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place butter chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is the key to tender chicken in this recipe?

Marinating the chicken in yogurt helps break down proteins, making the meat more tender and flavorful. The lemon juice and garam masala in the marinade also enhance the chicken’s taste and texture.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili powder to lower the heat level. You can also use mild chili powder or adjust the amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.

• Is this a traditional Indian dish?

Butter chicken originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created by restaurateurs who wanted to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Butter Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy butter chicken offers a delightful journey through Indian cuisine, showcasing tender marinated chicken in a rich, velvety sauce. Spices blend harmoniously, creating a memorable meal that transports diners to the heart of North India’s culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken thighs
• 1 cup (227 grams) plain yogurt

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ginger, grated
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 14 ounces (397 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cumin

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Instructions

1. Prepare a rich marinade by combining yogurt, lemon juice, and garam masala. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drain. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and caramelized on each side, approximately 6 minutes total. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté diced onions until translucent and soft. Introduce minced ginger, crushed garlic, and aromatic spices including cumin, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon stick. Toast spices for 60 seconds to release their essential oils.
4. Pour chicken broth into the spice mixture. Reintroduce browned chicken pieces, add crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
5. Gently incorporate heavy cream into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Continue cooking for additional 5-10 minutes. Remove and discard cinnamon stick before final preparation.
6. Plate the butter chicken over steamed rice. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Enhance marination by piercing chicken with a fork to help yogurt penetrate deeper, creating more tender and flavorful meat.
• For a healthier version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories and add different nutritional benefits.
• Toasting whole spices before grinding intensifies their flavor, transforming the dish from good to extraordinary with minimal extra effort.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring all spices and broth are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 31 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg