Butter chicken is one of those dishes that just wraps you in a warm hug from the first bite. I remember the first time I had it at a cozy little Indian restaurant, and wow, it was love at first taste! The creamy, tomato-based sauce danced on my palate, and the tender chicken pieces soaked up all that incredible flavor. It’s honestly a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—family dinners, cozy nights in, or even impressing friends. Trust me, once you try this creamy and flavorful butter chicken, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best butter chicken, and I promise this list is super straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze! I always like to measure out my ingredients before I start, so I can focus on enjoying the cooking process without any last-minute scrambles. Trust me, when the chicken is soaking up all that delicious marinade and the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll be so glad you did!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious butter chicken! I promise, you’ll feel like a pro chef by the end of it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Marinate the Chicken
First things first, we need to marinate the chicken. This step is super important because it makes the chicken tender and packs it with flavor. In a bowl, combine your chicken pieces with the yogurt and lemon juice. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have a bit more time, letting it sit for a few hours is even better!
Sauté the Aromatics
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to get cooking! Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. You want it nice and bubbly, but not burned—so keep an eye on it! Add in your finely chopped onion and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute. This will really bring those heavenly aromas to life!
Cook the Chicken
Now for the star of the show! Add your marinated chicken to the pan, making sure to include any extra marinade. Cook it for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Be careful not to crowd the pan—if it looks too full, cook in batches. You want that lovely browning to happen, which adds so much flavor!
Create the Sauce
Next, it’s time to create that luscious sauce! Pour in the tomato puree and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir it all together, and then add the heavy cream along with the garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Mix well, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens—let those flavors blend together beautifully!
Final Touches
Before serving, taste your sauce and season it with salt as needed. Don’t skip this step—seasoning is key! Once you’re happy with the flavor, garnish your butter chicken with fresh cilantro for that pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- The creamy sauce is full of flavor that will make your taste buds dance!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family meals or impressing guests!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- You can easily customize the spice levels to suit your family’s taste.
- Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
Making butter chicken is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure you nail it every time! First, don’t rush the marination—allowing the chicken to soak in the yogurt and lemon juice makes all the difference in tenderness and flavor. Also, keep an eye on your heat; cooking too fast can lead to tough chicken. If you want a richer sauce, don’t be shy with the cream! Lastly, taste as you go—adjust the salt and spices to make it just right for your palate. With these little pointers, you’ll be a butter chicken pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delicious butter chicken, it’s good to have an idea of the nutritional content, but keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, consider this as an estimate rather than a precise measure. Typically, one serving (about 1 cup) of butter chicken contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
So, go ahead and enjoy your butter chicken, knowing it’s a tasty and satisfying dish that can fit into your meal plans! Just remember, moderation is key, especially with those creamy sauces.
FAQ Section
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in butter chicken, adding even more flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can use coconut milk or half-and-half. Just keep in mind that using coconut milk will give it a slight coconut flavor, which can be delicious, but if you’re looking for the classic taste, stick with the cream!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—just don’t let it boil to keep it creamy!
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2–3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal. It’s all about those delicious sides that soak up that creamy sauce!
Serving Suggestions
To create the ultimate meal experience with your butter chicken, I highly recommend serving it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan. The rice is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce, and the naan is just begging to be dipped into every last bit of flavor! For a pop of freshness, consider adding a side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you’re feeling adventurous, some roasted vegetables can add a lovely contrast to the richness of the dish. Trust me, these sides will elevate your butter chicken experience to a whole new level!
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Butter chicken: 5 steps to deliciously cozy comfort!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful butter chicken recipe that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato puree and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and spices, mix well.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip the marination step for tender chicken.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, chicken recipe
