Similar to Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken is one of the most popular curries at any Indian restaurant around the world. Aromatic, golden chicken pieces in an incredible, creamy curry sauce, this Butter Chicken recipe is one of the best you will try!
WHY THIS BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE WORKS
One of the great things about my butter chicken recipe is that the ingredients are fairly easy to find in your pantry or at your local supermarket. No need to visit dozens of different Asian grocers for one hard-to-find ingredient.
WHAT SPICES ARE IN BUTTER CHICKEN
Easy-to-find spices, for example garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, and salt, are all you need to make a great sauce. You may even have some of these in your kitchen cupboards.If you don’t, you will find them at your local grocery store. We guarantee you’ll use them again in something like our Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry!
INGREDIENTS
For The Chicken Marinade:
Chicken (Thighs or Breasts): You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. We prefer dark meat but go with what you like. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but breasts work too. Marinating the chicken makes it tender and flavorful. Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the tanginess of the yogurt. Plain Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer and adds a slight tang to the chicken, helping the spices to penetrate. Garlic and Ginger: Freshly grated, these aromatics add depth and a bit of sharpness to the marinade. Garam Masala: A blend of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves, adding warmth and complexity to the dish. Turmeric and Cumin: Turmeric gives a golden color and earthy flavor, while cumin adds smokiness. Chili Powder: Adds a bit of heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
For The Sauce:
Ghee: Gives the dish its rich, creamy texture and enhances the flavors of the spices. Onions: Cooked until softened, onions form the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth. Garlic and Ginger: Again, these aromatics give the sauce a distinctive, fragrant flavor. Garam Masala, Cumin, and Chili Powder: Used to layer flavors with the marinade, adding warmth and spice to the sauce. Crushed Tomatoes: Provide acidity and help create a thick, rich base for the sauce. Thickened Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a luxurious texture. Salt and Sugar: Used to adjust seasoning and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN
A milder curry when compared to other dishes like our Chicken, Green Bean and Butternut Squash Curry makes butter chicken a favorite among families with little ones. You can certainly add as much or as little chili as you wish. In other words, you are in total control of how spicy you make it. As mentioned above, the aromatic, flavor-infused chicken begins with an easy yogurt marinade: plain yogurt, fresh garlic, ginger, and easy-to-find spices.
PREPARING THE CHICKEN
PREPARING THE SAUCE
COMBINE
ENJOY!
Watch how to make it below!
POPULAR CURRY RECIPES
Chicken Green Bean and Butternut Squash CurryThai Chicken Satay 2. The Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook the marinated chicken in batches, searing until browned on all sides, Then set aside. 4. Blend and Thicken the Sauce: Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth (or transfer to a blender). Return the sauce to the skillet, add cream, and stir well. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to balance flavors. 6. Garnish: sprinkle fresh cilantro and serve with rice or garlic naan.
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