Best Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful Classic
Best Butter Chicken Recipe is not just a beloved Indian dish but a global culinary sensation. This recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. This butter chicken recipe balances simplicity and authenticity, making it a perfect companion for naan or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: Made with heavy cream and butter for a luxurious sauce.
- Packed with Flavor: Features a blend of aromatic spices for depth and complexity.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Restaurant-style: Tastes just as good as, if not better, takeout.
Pro Tips for Perfect Best Butter Chicken Recipe
- Use Chicken Thighs: They remain tender and juicy compared to breasts.
- Fresh Spices: Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the tomato base to cook thoroughly for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter version.
- Marinate Overnight: Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for the most flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions For Best Butter Chicken Recipe
- Bread: Pair with naan or garlic butter naan to dip into the creamy sauce.
- Rice: Serve over steamed basmati rice for a hearty meal.
- Side Dishes: Add a side of cucumber raita or pickled onions to complement the flavors.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. To refresh the sauce, add a splash of cream or water.
FAQs About Best Butter Chicken Recipe
1. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
2. What if I don’t have garam masala?
Use a substitute blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, and nutmeg.
3. Is butter chicken spicy?
Are you worried about the spice level? Don’t be. This recipe is mildly spiced, and you can adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference. It’s a dish everyone can enjoy, regardless of their spice tolerance.
4. Can I use canned tomato puree?
Yes, canned tomato puree works perfectly and saves time.
5. How can I make it richer?
Add a tablespoon of cashew or almond paste to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Why This Recipe Works
This butter chicken recipe combines a well-spiced marinade with a slow-cooked, creamy tomato sauce to create an authentic and approachable dish. The balance of spices, sweetness, and richness ensures every bite is a flavorful experience.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that appeals to many palates and is ideal for casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. This recipe focuses on creating tender, marinated chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices such as garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The result is a flavorful, velvety sauce that beautifully complements the chicken and can be enjoyed with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a comforting meal at home, this Butter Chicken recipe will bring the vibrant and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dining table. Give it a try and experience the delight it brings!
Best Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ½- inch minced ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
Gravy
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves diced garlic
- ½- inch diced ginger
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground almond
- ½ cup of cream
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1 Marinate chicken
- In a medium bowl combine the chicken with minced garlic, ginger, sour cream, olive oil, Garam Masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt, and mix until combined.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler to 550°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Spread the chicken on the baking sheet and broil them for 4 to 5 minutes or until it starts to char and burn at the edges.
- Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven rack for the best results.
- Don't cook the chicken all way through.
Step 2 Gravy
- Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt.
- Saute the mix for a few more minutes before adding water and simmer for 10 minutes or until tomatoes and onions are softened, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the cooked tomato and onion into a blender and puree the mixture until smooth.
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Pour the pureed gravy mix back into the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, ground almond, cream, sugar, and chicken.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce for salt, add more if needed
- Serve with rice or naan