Butter chicken is a beloved dish that has captured many hearts and taste buds around the world. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a staple in many households, especially during cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. I remember the first time I tried butter chicken; the comforting aroma wafted through the kitchen, and the first bite felt like a warm hug. This recipe not only brings that experience home but also lends itself to being a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight!

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this butter chicken recipe. For one, it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and spicy, offering an authentic taste of Indian cuisine that you can make right in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Moreover, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, providing a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to different flavors without overwhelming their taste buds.

“This butter chicken is absolutely divine! It has become a weekly staple in our house, and the kids just can’t get enough of it.” – Lisa T.

Preparing Butter Chicken

Making butter chicken at home is an enjoyable experience that combines marinating, sautéing, and simmering into a satisfying cooking journey. You can expect a rich, flavorful sauce that clings to tender pieces of chicken, and the dish comes together in just about an hour. It’s an impressive dish for special occasions while being simple enough for a loved one’s dinner on a Tuesday night.

Key ingredients

To successfully create this delightful butter chicken, you’ll need the following items:

600 g chicken breast, diced
150 g natural yogurt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala (for the sauce)
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
400 g crushed tomatoes
150 ml cream (or coconut milk for lactose-free)
1 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Substitutions: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Cooking process explained

Marinating the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (overnight is ideal for the best flavor).
Searing the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
Spicing it Up: Mix in coriander, garam masala, and optional chili powder. Add crushed tomatoes into the mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Adding Cream & Sugar: Stir in the cream and sugar, and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.
Combining Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes.
Serving: Finish off by garnishing with fresh coriander. Serve with basmati rice or naan for the ultimate comfort meal.

How to plate and pair

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, allowing you to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce. For a colorful plate, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. You can even sprinkle some fried onions on top for a touch of crunch and elegance.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Butter chicken is a delightful dish to make ahead and can keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Store it in airtight containers to ensure freshness. When it comes time to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also freeze it for up to three months, just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Helpful cooking tips

Make Ahead: If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors.
Cooking Temperature: Don’t rush when sautéing the onions; the right caramelization enhances the sauce’s depth.
Taste Test: Adjust the spices according to your palate—more chili for heat or skip it altogether for a milder taste.

Creative twists

Feel free to experiment with this classic recipe! You can make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas or paneer. Other variations include adding spinach for an earthy flavor or different garnishes like toasted nuts or dried fruit for a sweet touch.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time? Expect about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating.
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and dried before marinating for better texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! You can adjust the spices to suit their taste, keeping it mild while maintaining flavor.

By following these instructions and suggestions, you’ll have a luscious butter chicken that is not only comforting but also has the power to transport you to flavors of India with each bite. Enjoy!

Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken recipe that's perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults, it's a staple in many households.

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Prep Time 45

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 15

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

600 g chicken breast, diced Use boneless chicken breasts.
150 g natural yogurt Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp oil

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala (for the sauce)
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional) Adjust to taste.
400 g crushed tomatoes
150 ml cream (or coconut milk for lactose-free)
1 tsp sugar

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (overnight is ideal for the best flavor).

Searing the Chicken

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Spicing it Up

Mix in coriander, garam masala, and optional chili powder. Add crushed tomatoes into the mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Adding Cream & Sugar

Stir in the cream and sugar, and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes.

Serving

Finish off by garnishing with fresh coriander. Serve with basmati rice or naan for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

Butter chicken is great for meal prep and can be stored in airtight containers for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in a pan over low heat when ready to enjoy.

Keyword Butter Chicken, comfort food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Indian Cuisine