Butter Chicken

Whenever I think of a comforting meal that warms the soul, Butter Chicken always comes to mind. This dish is a classic favorite in many households, and for good reason. The rich and creamy sauce enveloping tender pieces of chicken is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I tried Butter Chicken at a friend’s family gathering. The aroma wafting through the air was enough to make my mouth water. As I took that first bite, the blend of spices and the creamy texture danced on my palate, capturing my heart forever. It’s a dish that has a special place in my kitchen, especially on cozy weekends when I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something exceptional.

What to Gather for Butter Chicken

When it comes to making Butter Chicken, the ingredients you choose are essential. Each one plays a vital role in creating that dreamy, creamy sauce and tender chicken that we all crave. The key players include juicy chicken breasts, fragrant spices, and a rich heavy cream that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delightful dish.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – This helps brown the chicken and add depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Divided, butter adds richness to the dish.
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts – Diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 5 cloves garlic – Minced, this will infuse the dish with strong aromatic notes.
• 2 inches fresh ginger – Grated ginger complements the garlic and adds a fresh zing.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – A warm spice that enhances the dish.
• 2 teaspoons garam masala – A blend of spices that gives Butter Chicken its signature flavor.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder – Optional, for those who like a little heat.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and color to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric – Known for its vibrant color and health benefits.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To bring all the flavors together.
• 15 ounces can tomato sauce or passata – Forms the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and acidity.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro – For garnish, adding a fresh touch.
• Cooked rice – Perfect for serving with the Butter Chicken.
• Naan bread – A delightful pairing to soak up the delicious sauce.

Preparation Steps for Butter Chicken

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the preparation of Butter Chicken. This process is just as rewarding as the end result. Let’s walk through each step together, ensuring that you capture all the flavors and textures that make this dish so special.

1. In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, creating a luscious base for your chicken. You want to achieve a shimmering surface before adding the next key element.
2. Now, add the diced chicken breasts carefully into the pan. Allow the chicken to brown, which should take about six to eight minutes. Look for a golden crust to form on the outside, which will add depth to the overall flavor.
3. Once browned, move the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining butter to the empty side and let it melt. This will infuse the chicken with more buttery goodness.
4. Next, introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan. Stir them around for about a minute until they become fragrant. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor in your dish.
5. Now, sprinkle in all your spices: ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder (if using), smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and salt. Mix everything together well and let it cook for another minute to toast the spices slightly.
6. After toasting, pour in the tomato sauce or passata. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This will create a beautiful, cohesive sauce that envelops the chicken.
7. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for about five to ten minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming richer during this time.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a creamy delight. Allow it to reduce a little, enhancing its luxurious texture.
9. Finally, serve your Butter Chicken warm over cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Expert Tips about Butter Chicken

To elevate your Butter Chicken experience, consider these expert tips. They’ll guide you in perfecting this dish and making it your own. Let’s dive into the details!

• Storage: Store any leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This allows the flavors to deepen as they meld.
• Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, Butter Chicken freezes well! Use a freezer-safe container and it can last up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for the ultimate experience.
• Make it Vegetarian: If desired, you can substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian variant.
• Flavor Boost: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of cream can make a big difference!
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful touch to the presentation.

How to Serve Butter Chicken

When it comes to serving Butter Chicken, there are countless delightful options to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas to make your dining experience memorable:

• Serve with Basmati Rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Enjoy with Naan Bread: Soft, warm naan is ideal for scooping up the Butter Chicken and adds a delightful texture to each bite.
• Fresh Salad: A light salad with crisp vegetables can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, making it well-balanced.
• Special Occasions: Butter Chicken is perfect for family gatherings, festive dinners, or when entertaining guests.
• Seasonal Variations: Consider seasonal vegetables as sides, like roasted cauliflower or sautéed greens, to brighten the plate.
• Leftover Creativity: Transform leftover Butter Chicken into wraps or sandwiches for a quick and delicious lunch the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Butter Chicken is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken make it a standout choice for dinner. I encourage you to try making it at home; you won’t regret it!

Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Butter Chicken features tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy, and spiced tomato sauce. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter Divided
• 2 pounds Chicken breasts Skinless, boneless, diced into bite-size pieces
• 5 cloves Garlic Minced
• 2 inches Fresh ginger Grated
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Garam masala
• ½ teaspoon Chili powder Optional
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 15 ounces Tomato sauce Or passata
• ½ cup Heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley For garnish
• Cooked rice For serving
• Naan bread For serving

Instructions

 

• In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the diced chicken breasts carefully and allow them to brown, which should take about six to eight minutes. Once browned, move the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining butter to the empty side and let it melt.
• Next, introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan. Stir them around for about a minute until they become fragrant. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor in your dish.
• Now, sprinkle in all your spices: ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder (if using), smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and salt. Mix everything together well and let it cook for another minute to toast the spices slightly.
• After toasting, pour in the tomato sauce or passata. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This will create a beautiful, cohesive sauce that envelops the chicken.
• Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for about five to ten minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming richer during this time.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a creamy delight. Allow it to reduce a little, enhancing its luxurious texture.
• Finally, serve your Butter Chicken warm over cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Notes

• Tip 1: Deglaze the pan or pot after browning the chicken with ¼ cup of water or stock if needed.
• Tip 2: Skinless boneless chicken thighs also work great in this recipe.
• Tip 3: The Passata sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or a can of plain tomatoes that are blended and sieved.
• Tip 4: If the Butter Chicken seems bland, adjust the seasoning by adding a little bit of salt.
• Tip 5: If you store the leftovers in the fridge, the sauce will thicken up. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water and mix.

Keyword Butter Chicken Ingredients, Creamy Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken Recipe, Indian Butter Chicken