Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe
Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. This Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken recipe brings all the authentic flavors to your kitchen without the hassle. Expect a dish that is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several compelling reasons to try this Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken recipe. First, the dish is packed with flavor from a delightful blend of spices. The creamy tomato sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, resulting in a satisfying meal that pleases both adults and kids alike. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for novice cooks. Plus, it pairs beautifully with fluffy Basmati rice and warm naan bread, elevating your dining experience.
How to Make Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this luscious dish:
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts
- Vegetable Oil
- Butter
- The Spice Blend (mix of Garam Masala, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Ground Cumin, and Chili Powder)
- Tomato Sauce or Passata
- Heavy Cream
Directions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and foam.
- Lay the diced chicken in a single layer in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty side of the pan.
- Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning them.
- Sprinkle the garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, chili powder (if using), and salt over the aromatics. Stir well to coat everything.
- Continue cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce (or passata) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to transform into a creamy orange color. Simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately over Basmati rice, with naan on the side.
How to Serve Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken
To present this dish beautifully, serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice, allowing the sauce to pool around it. Place warm naan bread on the side for dipping, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
How to Store Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken
To keep your butter chicken fresh, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish can be frozen in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken
- For even more depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste; omit the chili powder for a milder dish.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
Variations
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
- For a lighter version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
-
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. -
What can I serve with Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with Basmati rice, naan bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. -
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on the amount of chili powder you use. Adjust it according to your preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Now that you have the recipe and tips for making Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy a taste of India in your home today!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts Diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil For cooking
- 2 tbsp Butter Divided
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce or Passata For the sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream For creaminess
Spice Blend
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala For authentic flavor
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika For depth
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder Optional, adjust for spice level
Aromatics
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger Grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and foam.
- Lay the diced chicken in a single layer in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty side of the pan.
- Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt over the aromatics. Stir well to coat.
- Continue cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the heavy cream, simmering uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
