Indian Butter Chicken

Why This Is The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe 

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a cinch to make. With simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
• Restaurant Flavors at Home: With this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian butter chicken in the comfort of your own home. It tastes just like what you'd get at your favorite Indian restaurant.
• Comforting: This creamy chicken curry is a hit with the whole family. It's a creamy, comforting dish that's packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Creamy Sauce: The creamy, buttery sauce is so delicious and goes great with some naan bread or cooked rice, which soaks it all up!

Key Ingredients

Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, chicken breast is a lean cut of meat that is perfect for absorbing the flavors of the marinade and sauce.
• Butter: This is used for sautéing and gives the dish a rich, creamy flavor.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a sweet, tangy flavor and a bit of texture to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: These add a fresh, tangy flavor and a bit of liquid to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to the dish's creamy, rich sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds pungency and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Ginger: Minced ginger adds a fresh, spicy note to the dish.
• Spices: We'll be using a variety of spices, including salt, sugar, coriander, and red chili powder, to give the dish its unique flavor.
• Yogurt: This is used to marinate the chicken, making it tender and flavorful.

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken

Making this incredible Indian butter chicken recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine thick yogurt, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and lemon juice to prepare the marinade. 

2. Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade mixture, making sure that they are well coated. 

3. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Start by adding one tablespoon of butter to a skillet. Then, add diced onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger, and cook until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally. 

5. Add Tomatoes, Cook, and Blend: Next, add diced tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet, stir well, and add sugar, salt, and coriander, letting it cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices. Let the sauce cool down for a few minutes and then blend it.

6. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, melt butter over medium heat. Then add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are brown and cooked through, usually about 6-8 minutes. Set aside the cooked chicken.

7. Combine Sauce and Chicken: Add the blended sauce to the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes and then stir in heavy cream, making sure to mix well to combine all the ingredients. 

8. Simmer and Serve: Let the mixture simmer gently for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further, stirring occasionally. Serve the butter chicken over rice, accompanied by some naan bread.

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips For Making the Best Indian Butter Chicken

• Choose the Right Chicken: For this Indian butter chicken recipe, I recommend using chicken breast. It's lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for this dish. You can also use skinless, boneless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps it absorb the flavors of the yogurt and spices. For an even tastier dish, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
• Blend the Sauce: After cooking the onions and tomatoes, let the sauce cool before blending it. This will give you a smoother sauce that's perfect for coating the chicken.
• Simmer Properly: After adding the cream to the chicken, let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This not only thickens the sauce but also allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a rich and creamy butter chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete and hearty meal, serve this Indian butter chicken over a bed of fluffy, fragrant basmati rice. The rice's subtle nutty flavor compliments the rich, creamy sauce of the chicken perfectly.
• If you're looking for a different texture to pair with your butter chicken, try serving it with some warm, pillowy naan bread. Use the bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making sure not to leave a drop behind.
• Feeling adventurous? Try this Indian butter chicken with a side of quinoa. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa add a modern twist to this classic Indian dish.
• For a low-carbohydrates, yet equally satisfying option, serve this flavorful butter chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Recipe Variation Ideas 

• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese. Marinate the paneer as you would the chicken and follow the recipe as is. This variation is perfect for Meatless Mondays or for those who want to enjoy a meat-free version of this classic dish.
• Spicy: If you love spicy food, this variation is for you. Add an extra teaspoon of red chili powder to the marinade. You can also throw in a chopped green chili or two when you're cooking the onions. Just be sure to have a glass of water handy!
• Healthy: Want a healthier version of this dish? Try using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. This cuts down on the fat and calories without sacrificing the creamy texture. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

• Storing: After enjoying this delicious Indian butter chicken, you might have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating.
• Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen butter chicken, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove on low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of cream or water to thin it out.