There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy, and spicy flavor of Butter Chicken. This classic dish from the Indian subcontinent has made its way into hearts and kitchens worldwide. Today, I’m excited to share an easy and scrumptious homemade Butter Chicken recipe that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Delhi. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a special dinner, this dish promises to delight your taste buds with its aromatic spices and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 100g (3.5 oz) butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons grated or finely chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 400g (14 oz) can of tomatoes
- 1 cup double cream
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), for garnish
Equipments
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Blender (optional)
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Add in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Ginger
Heat 50g of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces into the saucepan with the onion mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is partially cooked through and the marinade starts to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the canned tomatoes, reducing the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Butter
Stir in the double cream and remaining butter, combining well. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it has a luscious, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnish your Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot. Traditionally, Butter Chicken is enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. A side of pickled onions or a simple cucumber salad can add a refreshing touch to this rich dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best result, marinating the chicken overnight allows for deeper flavor penetration. Ensure you use boneless chicken thighs rather than breast, as they remain juicy and tender during cooking. Avoid rushing the sautéing and simmering steps to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
High Protein Twist on Butter Chicken
Looking to boost your meal’s protein content? This easy tweak can help elevate your dish. Swap out regular chicken thighs for dense chicken filet or add a mix of chicken and chickpeas. Toss in some roasted chickpeas towards the end of cooking, adding texture alongside a protein punch, ensuring you sustain energy levels and feel satisfied.
The creaminess of butter chicken paired with an elevated protein base makes it perfect for gym enthusiasts, kids, and the entire family. Whether you enjoy it post-workout or for a special dinner, this twist transforms your classic butter chicken into a more nutrient-dense delight.
Low Carb and Fabulous: Butter Chicken Style
Craving Butter Chicken without the carbs? For a satisfying low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles in place of traditional accompaniments like naan or regular rice. Keep the luscious creamy sauce, but swap high-carb sides for lightweight, nutrient-packed alternatives.
Additionally, you can reduce the cream and add more spices to maintain a satisfying flavor profile. This alternative ensures you don’t miss out on the taste, while also keeping dietary goals in check, perfect for keto or low-carb dieters.
Storage Instructions
Butter Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on a low setting.
FAQs
- Can I make Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream and oil for dairy cream and butter. - Is Butter Chicken too spicy?
It is mildly spiced, but adjusting the chili powder can moderate heat levels. - Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but it may not be as moist as thighs during extended cooking. - What’s the best way to serve it?
Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with rice or naan as accompaniments. - Can I prepare it in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavor improves when it’s given time to meld.
Embrace the Flavor: Your Butter Chicken Adventure Awaits
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a warming, aromatic celebration of flavors and textures. Easy to make and rewarding to serve, it stands as a testament to the joys of home cooking. Rest assured, your guests will be asking for seconds—or even the recipe! If you enjoyed crafting this dish, please share your experience in the comments or pass the recipe along to fellow food enthusiasts. Let’s spread the love—one delightful serving at a time!
Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless chicken thighs
- plain yogurt
- lemon juice
- ground cumin
- ground coriander
- turmeric
- garam masala
- red chili powder
- Salt
- butter
- large onion
- grated or finely chopped garlic
- grated ginger
- canned tomatoes
- double cream
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, and spices in a large bowl. Marinate chicken pieces in the mixture, covering and refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
- In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, then stir in garlic and ginger.
- Add marinated chicken, cook on medium heat until partially cooked through.
- Pour in canned tomatoes, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in double cream and remaining butter to finish, simmering for another 5-10 minutes.