Are you ready to bring the flavors of a restaurant right into your home? This Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that’s creamy, rich, and bursting with spices. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it’s easy to make and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive in and create something special!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to get started. They are easy to find and won’t break the bank!
- 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps and enjoy the process.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Sauce: For a smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the skillet, or transfer it to a blender and puree until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids!
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Your restaurant-style butter chicken is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Better Results
Here are some handy tips to make your butter chicken even more delicious:
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight is best!
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference. You can even leave it out for a milder dish.
- Make it Ahead: Butter chicken can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!
- Garnish Well: Don’t skip the cilantro! It adds a fresh touch that brightens the dish.
- Serve Hot: Butter chicken is best served hot, paired with warm naan or rice.
Variations (Optional Add-ons)
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few green chilies or use spicy garam masala for an extra kick.
- Extra Creaminess: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Make your dish look as good as it tastes! Here are some ideas to serve your butter chicken:
- Serve with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with warm naan or roti for the ultimate experience.
- Add a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spices.
Conclusion
Now you have all the tools to create a fantastic restaurant-style butter chicken right at home. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve made. Happy cooking!