Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe for a Quick and Easy Dinner

The aroma of spices wafting through the air, the sizzle of chicken in sauce, it’s time to indulge in a classic delight—Butter Chicken. This dish is a celebration of rich, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a cozy experience that wraps you in warmth.

With its creamy tomato sauce and perfectly tender chicken, Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, this dish will make your taste buds dance and your heart smile, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Butter Chicken:

1/2 cup plain yoghurt – This creamy base adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken wonderfully.

1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up the dish with acidity and balances the rich flavors.

1 tsp turmeric powder – A sprinkle of golden warmth that adds earthiness and a lovely hue to the sauce.

2 tsp garam masala – A complex blend of spices that gives Butter Chicken its signature rich and aromatic flavor.

1/2 tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper powder – For those who like a little kick, adjust according to your spice preference.

1 tsp ground cumin – Adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.

1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated – Fresh ginger brings that zesty zing that brightens the dish.

2 cloves garlic, crushed – Because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better!

1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces – Thigh fillets remain moist and juicy, perfect for absorbing all those spices.

2 tbsp ghee or butter, or 1 tbsp vegetable oil – You can’t go wrong with ghee for that authentic taste, but butter or oil works wonders too.

1 cup tomato passata – The rich, thick sauce forms the base for a velvety texture.

1 cup heavy cream – Creaminess is key for Butter Chicken; it elevates the sauce to pure bliss.

1 tbsp sugar – This small amount balances the acidity of the tomatoes wonderfully.

1 1/4 tsp salt – Adjust to taste; salt enhances all those delicious flavors.

Basmati rice (to serve) – Pillowy rice to soak up that rich sauce, making each bite heavenly.

White rice (to serve) – A classic pairing that goes hand-in-hand with this saucy dish if you’re feeling traditional.

Coriander/cilantro (optional, to serve) – A sprinkle of freshness on top for that gorgeous finishing touch.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder, ground cumin, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and mix well until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow those flavors to really penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the ghee (or butter or oil) over high heat in a large fry pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and gently place it in the pan. Sear for about 3 minutes until the chicken is white all over, coaxing out those lovely juices.

Step 3: Create the Sauce
Add the tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to the pan, along with any leftover marinade. Stir it all together until smooth and well combined. The scent should be beautiful at this stage; get ready for the magic!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the chicken to cook through and soak up all those rich flavors. It’s the waiting game, but trust me—it’s worth it.

Step 5: Final Touches
Taste your Butter Chicken and adjust the salt if needed. If you like, garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro to add a splash of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the buttery goodness over piping hot basmati or white rice, and make sure to drizzle it with that delicious sauce. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy your homemade feast!

Butter Chicken is a dish that invokes joy and comfort, making every dinner feel like a special occasion. And let’s be honest, it’s always a win when you can whip up a dish that’s not only simple but also a major crowd-pleaser! So don your apron, throw on some music, and let the delicious cooking begin!

This showstopping Butter Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Butter Chicken Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken first to infuse flavor. While it’s marinating, prep your ingredients and get your rice cooking. Sear the chicken in ghee until golden, then add the sauce ingredients for the perfect blend of spices.

Add Your Touch to Butter Chicken

For a personal twist on Butter Chicken, consider swapping out the heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter version. You can also substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian delight, or throw in veggies like spinach or peas for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating Butter Chicken

Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain its creamy consistency.

Preparing Butter Chicken always brings back memories of hosting a cozy dinner for friends, where their delighted reactions made the whole effort worthwhile. It’s those smiles over a plate of rich, creamy goodness that keep me coming back to this recipe time and time again.

FAQs About Butter Chicken

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in Delhi. It consists of marinated chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and ginger. Often served with naan or basmati rice, Butter Chicken has a unique flavor profile that balances savory, spicy, and mildly sweet elements. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a heartwarming experience, making it a favorite among many.

How do I make Butter Chicken less spicy?

If you prefer a milder Butter Chicken, there are easy ways to reduce the heat. You can adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper you include in the marinade, omitting it entirely if desired. Additionally, using a generous amount of cream can help mellow out the spices significantly. Lastly, serving the dish with cooling sides like cucumber salad or plain yogurt can balance the spice levels, ensuring a delightful yet gentle flavor.

Can I use yogurt in my Butter Chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Yogurt is often used in the marinade for Butter Chicken to tenderize the chicken and add a tangy flavor. It works wonderfully with the spices and helps create a creamy sauce when combined with heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with yogurt for a delicious twist that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Can Butter Chicken be frozen for later use?

Yes, Butter Chicken is a freezer-friendly meal! After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stovetop. Adding a splash of cream or water can bring back its creamy texture, making it just as tasty as the day it was made.

Conclusion for Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that elevates any dining experience, whether it’s a casual weekday meal or a gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and creamy consistency, it satisfies a variety of palates and is incredibly versatile. Taking the time to marinate your chicken and carefully balance the spices ensures the best outcome. This recipe for Butter Chicken promises not only a burst of flavors but also a serving of warmth and comfort that keeps everyone coming back for more. Enjoy this culinary classic, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Butter Chicken

This Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, spiced sauce and tender chicken, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Marinating Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 402

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Marinade

• 1/2 cup plain yoghurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee or butter or vegetable oil
• 1 cup tomato passata
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• Basmati rice (to serve)
• White rice (to serve)
• Coriander/cilantro (optional, to serve)

Equipment

• Large fry pan

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Combine the Marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
2. Heat ghee, butter or oil over high heat in a large fry pan. Remove chicken from the Marinade, keeping the Marinade on the chicken, and place in the fry pan. Cook for around 3 minutes until the chicken is white all over.
3. Add the tomato passata, cream, sugar, and salt to the pan. Also add any remaining Marinade from the bowl. Turn down to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with coriander/cilantro if using. Serve with basmati rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 9.8gProtein: 39.8gFat: 23.4gSodium: 928mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 6.5g

Notes

For a personal touch, consider swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk or using paneer for a vegetarian option. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated gently.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!