Butter Chicken – Chicken in Butter Sauce

Butter chicken, with its rich and velvety sauce made from butter and spices, is one of those dishes that captivates anyone who takes a bite. This beloved Indian classic isn’t just a comfort food; it’s a celebration of flavors that can turn any ordinary dinner into a culinary experience. When I first tried making this recipe, I knew I had discovered something special. The combination of marinated chunks of chicken grilled to perfection and then simmered in a luscious sauce made my taste buds dance. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknights, or anytime you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

What sets this recipe apart from the rest is its wonderful balance of spices, creamy texture, and the ease with which you can prepare it. Here are a few reasons you’ll love making this dish:

• Deliciously Indulgent: The blend of spices and butter provides a comforting richness that makes this meal feel special.
• Easily Customizable: Whether you prefer it mild or with a heat kick, you can adjust the spices to match your palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Butter chicken fits the bill for all occasions—be it a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated dinner party.
• Kid-Approved: Its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor mean that even picky eaters will find it irresistible.

"I made this butter chicken for my family last week, and the kids couldn’t get enough! It’s now a regular in our dinner rotation." – Happy Home Cook

Preparing Butter Chicken – Chicken in Butter Sauce

Making butter chicken is a straightforward process that beautifully combines marination, grilling, and simmering to create depth of flavor. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Marinate the chicken for 30-40 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Grill the chicken to achieve a delightful char and smoky flavor.
3. Prepare the sauce using spices, cashews, and tomato puree for a creamy base.
4. Combine the grilled chicken with the sauce and finish with cream for smoothness.

Now, let’s dive into the warm, inviting ingredients that create this classic dish.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Here’s what you will need:

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• 600 grams chicken breast (cut into chunks)
• ⅓ cup yogurt
• ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or use minced ginger and garlic)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 75 grams butter (or 5 tablespoons butter)
• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes)
• 1 cup tomato puree (1 cup = 250 ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tablespoon cream
• Salt to taste

Feel free to experiment with substitutes! For instance, if you’re out of ghee, melted butter works wonderfully in this recipe.

Cooking Steps

Let’s get to the heart of making this mouth-watering butter chicken! Follow these straightforward directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Lightly score the chicken pieces. Mix the chicken with yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, ghee, and salt. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes, preferably overnight for extra flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken: Skewer the marinated chicken on BBQ skewers. Grill them on a barbecue, stovetop grill, or under the oven broiler until slightly charred, turning them halfway through. Set aside.

3. Make Cashew Paste: Blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy-bottom pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add ginger-garlic paste, followed by turmeric and chili powder. Sauté briefly before adding the tomato puree and remaining marinade. Stir in kasuri methi and garam masala.

5. Blend the Sauce: Add the cashew paste and honey. Use a stick blender to create a smooth sauce, then season with salt. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the grilled chicken pieces and mix well, then stir in a tablespoon of cream. Simmer for another 5-6 minutes and turn off the heat.

7. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Best Way to Serve

Pair your butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for an authentic experience. For a complete meal, consider serving:

• Fresh salad: A simple side salad with cucumber and tomato adds freshness.
• Raita: Creamy yogurt with cucumber and spices can cool down the heat if you like it spicy.
• Pickles: A dollop of mango or lime pickle offers a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, but it happens!), here’s how to keep that butter chicken fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Always remember to practice safe food handling, keeping chicken refrigerated until ready to cook!

Expert Advice

To elevate your butter chicken experience, try these pro tips:

• Adjust spice levels: If feeding kids, reduce the chili powder and increase the sweetness with a bit more honey.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices add immense flavor compared to pre-ground options.
• Multitask: While the chicken marinates, prepare your cashew paste and sauce ingredients to streamline cooking time.

Creative Twists

Want to give your butter chicken a unique twist? Consider these variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a delightful meat-free alternative.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced green chilies for those who enjoy some extra heat.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare this butter chicken?
The hands-on preparation, including marination and cooking, takes roughly 90 minutes, but much of that is passive (like marination time).

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and keep the dish moist.

3. What’s the best way to ensure my sauce is creamy?
Using soaked cashews blended into a smooth paste creates a delightful creaminess while keeping the dish dairy-friendly.

Enjoy your cooking, and be ready to impress yourself and your guests with this velvety Butter Chicken that promises to become a household favorite!

Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and velvety Indian classic featuring marinated chicken in a creamy butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 600 grams chicken breast (cut into chunks)
• ⅓ cup yogurt
• ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon ghee or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 75 grams butter (or 5 tablespoons butter)
• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in warm water for 15–20 minutes)
• 1 cup tomato puree (1 cup = 250 ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tablespoon cream
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken lightly scoring the pieces. Mix with yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, ghee, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.
2. Grill the marinated chicken on skewers until slightly charred. Set aside.
3. Blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth and set aside.
4. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add ginger-garlic paste, then turmeric and chili powder. Sauté before adding tomato puree and remaining marinade. Stir in kasuri methi and garam masala.
5. Add the cashew paste and honey. Use a stick blender to create a smooth sauce, season with salt, and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the grilled chicken and mix well, then stir in cream. Simmer for another 5-6 minutes and turn off the heat.
7. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Notes

Adjust spice levels according to your preference and pair with a fresh salad or raita for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling and Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, chicken recipes