Butter chicken, a culinary jewel of India, boasts a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce enveloping tender marinated chicken. Its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors has captivated palates worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries to become a global favorite. The dish's velvety texture and aromatic spices, often including garam masala and ginger, create a symphony of taste that is both comforting and exciting. This seemingly complex dish is surprisingly accessible to home cooks, promising a restaurant-quality experience without the need for specialized ingredients or techniques.
Forget takeout! This authentic butter chicken recipe unlocks the secrets to recreating this beloved dish in your own kitchen. We'll guide you through each step, from perfectly marinating the chicken to achieving that signature creamy, luxurious sauce. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can achieve professional-level results, impressing yourself and your guests with a dish that’s both delicious and surprisingly simple to make.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500g
- Curd (Yogurt): 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric Powder
- Coriander Powder
- Garam Masala
- Lemon Juice
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Butter: 2-4 tbsp
- Cinnamon Sticks: 1-2
- Onion (blended): 1 medium
- Garlic Paste
- Green Chilies: 2-3
- Tomato Puree: 1 cup
- Cumin Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Cream: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Cook Chicken
- Mix chicken with curd, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and lemon juice. Marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
- Heat butter in a separate pan. Add cinnamon sticks, blended onion, and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes. Add green chilies and fry for 10 seconds.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 4-5 minutes, covered.
- Add cumin powder, turmeric powder, sugar, and a teaspoon of the spice mix used for marinating the chicken. Add water and simmer.
Step 3. Enhance and Finish the Sauce
- Mix cream and milk. Once the sauce is cooked, add the cream-milk mixture.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Stir in crushed kasuri methi for aroma.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- For a restaurant-style flavor, follow the recipe step-by-step.
- Garnish with cream and butter before serving.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for even cooking and tenderness, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just increase the cooking time accordingly and be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
2. What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid and thicken it. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to help thicken it.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated overnight, and the sauce can be made a day in advance. Store both in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will actually deepen overnight.
With this recipe, you’ve unlocked the secrets to creating restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious aroma and rich flavors of this classic dish, impressing your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. Now go forth and conquer the world of butter chicken!