Welcome to the heartwarming world of culinary delight with this exceptional Butter Chicken recipe! This timeless classic is perfect for bringing families together, especially during cozy seasonal occasions. With its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, tender chicken pieces, and the aromatic essence of freshly ground spices, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Gather around the kitchen and let the magic unfold as you create memories and flavors that will be cherished forever.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato purée
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked basmati rice and naan bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best flavor.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato purée, remaining garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the sauce and the raw tomato smell diminishes.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces into the skillet along with the marinade. Cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and butter. Simmer gently for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy, and the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice and naan bread.
Helpful Tips
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Complementary Dishes
Pair this delightful Butter Chicken with a cool and refreshing cucumber raita, a robust and tangy mango chutney, and a steaming plate of fragrant basmati rice. For drinks, a glass of chilled lassi or a crisp, refreshing white wine would be perfect companions.
Get ready to experience the magical flavors and warm, comforting vibes of Butter Chicken! We can’t wait to see your delicious creations, so don’t forget to share them using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any tweaks you’ve made on our website at Zynahz. For more mouth-watering recipes and culinary inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Zynahz on social media. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
