Indian Butter Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Indian Butter Chicken. I remember the first time I tasted it, the way the creamy sauce enveloped the tender pieces of chicken, each bite bursting with spices that danced on my palate. It was a chilly evening, and the warmth from the spices wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. The aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the table, eager to indulge. This dish has become a staple in my home, a true crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together. I love how it transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something special, making it perfect for both casual family meals and festive gatherings.

Everything You Need for Indian Butter Chicken

Cooking is all about the right ingredients. For Indian Butter Chicken, each component plays a crucial role in creating that signature creamy sauce and flavor-packed chicken. The combination of spices, creamy elements, and fresh ingredients not only enhances the taste but also brings a delightful aroma to your kitchen.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter – Divided into two parts, this lends richness to the sauce.
• 1 large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion – Diced small for a sweet base flavor.
• 1.50 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic – Finely minced or pressed, adding an aromatic touch.
• 2 tablespoons garam masala – The star spice that gives this dish its authentic taste.
• 1 tablespoon cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon turmeric – Known for its vibrant color and health benefits.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger – A warm spice that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – To enhance the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a mild kick.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adjust according to heat preference.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – Brings creaminess and balances the spices.
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce – A base for the sauce that adds depth of flavor.
• Basmati rice – For serving, it complements the sauce perfectly.
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro leaves – For garnishing, adding freshness.

How to Prepare Indian Butter Chicken

Cooking Indian Butter Chicken is a delightful journey through spices and flavors. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s rich and comforting. Let’s get started!

1. Add ½ stick of butter and the onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté until the onions begin to soften and caramelize, about five minutes. Remember to stir intermittently. The onions don’t need to be fully caramelized before moving on, but a nice golden color adds flavor.
2. Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes, flipping and stirring often to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be white throughout, indicating it’s done.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the finely minced garlic. Cook for about one minute or until fragrant. You’ll notice an incredible aroma filling your kitchen at this stage, which means you’re on the right track.
4. Now, add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. The spices will start to coat the chicken and create a lovely mixture.
5. Add the remaining ½ stick of melted butter to the pan. Stir frequently to encourage it to melt and blend into the sauce.
6. Next, pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The sauce should start to take on a beautiful orange hue as it thickens slightly.
7. Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After ten minutes, taste the sauce. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or cayenne to suit your preference.
8. Prepare your serving plates with warm rice. Top each plate with the generous amount of chicken and sauce you desire. Don’t be shy; the sauce is the star here!
9. Finally, garnish each serving with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor. This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to five days in the fridge or frozen for three months.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Making Indian Butter Chicken can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you can elevate your dish even further.

• Storage: This dish stores well in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge. Be sure to let it cool before refrigerating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Indian Butter Chicken for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with warm naan or basmati rice for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a fresh salad for added crunch.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs can enhance flavor. Consider adding fresh mint or parsley along with cilantro for variety.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Spice Level: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and garam masala. Start with less if you prefer mild.

Perfect Pairings for Indian Butter Chicken

When serving Indian Butter Chicken, think about the following ideas to create a well-rounded meal:

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice complements the saucy chicken beautifully. It’s a must-have!
• Naan: Warm, soft naan is perfect for scooping up sauce. You can enjoy it plain or garlic flavored.
• Salad: A light salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a simple lemon dressing adds freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Special Occasions: This dish is ideal for festive occasions like Diwali or family gatherings, where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers make a great quick lunch. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and enjoy!
• Seasonal Pairings: In the colder months, consider pairing this dish with roasted vegetables for a heartwarming meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of richness and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. With its creamy sauce and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try making it at home and experience the joy of cooking this fantastic dish yourself!

Indian Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Make it tonight and enjoy the rich flavors that will transport you straight to India!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup Unsalted Butter Divided
• 1 large Sweet Vidalia or Yellow Onion Diced small
• 1.50 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Diced into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves Garlic Finely minced or pressed
• 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
• 1 tablespoon Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Turmeric
• 1 tablespoon Ground Ginger Or 1+ tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Or to taste
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 8-ounce can Tomato Sauce I used no-salt added
• 1 serving Basmati Rice Or your favorite rice, for serving
• ⅓ cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves Or to taste for garnishing

Instructions

 

• Add ½ stick of butter and the onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté until the onions begin to soften and caramelize, about five minutes. Remember to stir intermittently. The onions don’t need to be fully caramelized before moving on, but a nice golden color adds flavor.
• Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes, flipping and stirring often to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be white throughout, indicating it’s done.
• Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the finely minced garlic. Cook for about one minute or until fragrant. You’ll notice an incredible aroma filling your kitchen at this stage, which means you’re on the right track.
• Now, add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. The spices will start to coat the chicken and create a lovely mixture.
• Add the remaining ½ stick of melted butter to the pan. Stir frequently to encourage it to melt and blend into the sauce.
• Next, pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The sauce should start to take on a beautiful orange hue as it thickens slightly.
• Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After ten minutes, taste the sauce. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or cayenne to suit your preference.
• Prepare your serving plates with warm rice. Top each plate with the generous amount of chicken and sauce you desire. Don’t be shy; the sauce is the star here!
• Finally, garnish each serving with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor. This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to five days in the fridge or frozen for three months.

Notes

• Tip 1: This dish stores well in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge. Be sure to let it cool before refrigerating.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the Indian Butter Chicken for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve with warm naan or basmati rice for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a fresh salad for added crunch.
• Tip 4: Fresh herbs can enhance flavor. Consider adding fresh mint or parsley along with cilantro for variety.
• Tip 5: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.

Keyword Butter Chicken, Creamy chicken curry, easy Indian dinner, Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.