Butter chicken, known as “Murgh Makhani” in its homeland, India, is a dish that captures hearts and palates around the world. This creamy, spiced chicken delight has become a staple in many households and restaurants, beloved for its rich flavor and comforting consistency. The blend of spices combined with the smoothness of cream and tomatoes creates a sauce that is simply irresistible.
Why We Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
This butter chicken recipe has it all. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and the ingredients are readily available. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this dish. The combination of tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce means that with each bite, you enjoy a taste of India right in your kitchen. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or bringing joy to your family gatherings. The creamy sauce is just begging to be soaked up by your favorite rice or flatbread, making it a dish that everyone will fall in love with at first taste.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe
To bring this delightful dish to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce or passata
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
- Naan bread for serving
How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe
Making butter chicken is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to create your own delicious batch:
Start by Prepping: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan.
Brown the Chicken: Once the butter is melted, add the diced chicken breasts. Brown the chicken until it’s golden on the outside. This step seals in the juices and gets those lovely flavors going.
Add Aromatics: Move the chicken to one side of the pan. Melt the remaining butter in the space you created. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking them for about a minute until the aroma hits your nose.
Spice it Up: Next, toss in the ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder (if using), smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt. Stir everything together, allowing it to cook and blend—the spices will intensify and create layers of flavor.
Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce (or passata) to the pan. Stir everything well to mix and bring the ingredients together.
Simmer and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid, and allow it to simmer on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Enrich the Sauce: With the lid carefully opened, stir in the heavy cream. This will transform your sauce into a rich, velvety texture. Allow it to simmer a bit more and reduce to your desired consistency.
Final Touches: Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve. Garnish with your choice of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro to add a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. Serve it warm over a generous portion of fluffy, cooked rice to soak up that creamy sauce. You can also offer naan bread on the side, which is perfect for tearing and dipping into the buttery goodness. If you wish, add a side salad or some cucumber raita for a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. To make it even more festive, consider serving it with a few slices of lime or lemon for an extra zing.
Expert Tips: Butter Chicken Recipe
Cut the Chicken Properly: When dicing the chicken breasts, aim for uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and thoroughly.
Use Fresh Spices: To maximize flavor, use fresh spices whenever possible. Ground spices lose their potency over time.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the dish simmer allows the chicken to tenderize and the flavors to deepen. Patience is key!
Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, you can skip it altogether for a milder version.
Make it Ahead: Butter chicken can taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Feel free to make a larger batch for meal prep.
How to Store Butter Chicken Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case with this delicious dish), you can store it easily. Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to prolong its life, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will be good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Variations of Butter Chicken Recipe
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian option.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add additional spices or fresh chilies for those who crave more heat. A dash of extra chili powder can transform the dish into an exciting experience.
Coconut Cream Twist: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist that still maintains a creamy texture while adding a subtle sweetness.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: For a hands-off approach, throw all the ingredients (except the cream) into a slow cooker and let it work its magic. Stir in the cream just before serving.
Butter Chicken Tacos: Get creative using the butter chicken mixture as a filling for warm tortillas, topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.
FAQ: Butter Chicken Recipe
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a traditional Indian dish made of marinated chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that features a blend of aromatic spices.
What can I serve with Butter Chicken?
Enjoy butter chicken with fluffy rice, naan bread, or even in wraps or tacos for a fun twist!
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted easily depending on your taste preferences. If you prefer mild, you can reduce or eliminate the chili powder.
How do I ensure my Butter Chicken doesn’t become too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after simmering, add a few tablespoons of water or more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Butter Chicken recipe
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp. butter divided
- 2 lbs. chicken breasts skinless and boneless, diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 inches fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. garam masala
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder optional for heat
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 tsp. salt adjust as needed
- 15 oz. tomato sauce or passata
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley or mint or cilantro for garnish
- cooked rice for serving
- naan bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add vegetable oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add diced chicken and brown until golden on the outside. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving over rice or with naan bread.
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