Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the best of Indian cuisine right to your table. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is a true comfort food classic. Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the onion until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, and chili powder if using. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.

Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful in this dish.
2. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Yes, you can add extra chili powder or even some red pepper flakes for more heat.
3. Can I use a different type of cream?
   Heavy cream is recommended for its richness, but you can use half-and-half or coconut cream as alternatives.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
5. Can I freeze Butter Chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. Can I use a store-bought curry sauce?
   For the best flavor, homemade sauce is preferred, but a store-bought curry sauce can be used as a shortcut.
7. What should I serve with Butter Chicken?
   It’s traditionally served with steamed rice or naan bread. You can also pair it with roti or a side salad.
8. Can I use Greek yogurt for the marinade?
   Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for plain yogurt and will add a tangy flavor.
9. What if I don’t have garam masala?
   You can omit it or use a combination of other spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom as a substitute.
10. How can I adjust the creaminess of the sauce?
    Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how creamy you want the sauce to be.

Conclusion

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Its rich sauce and tender chicken make it perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy it with rice or naan for a complete and delicious experience!