Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Butter Chicken, a beloved Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato and butter sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with naan or rice for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 500g chicken breast, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated
– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe): Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Fat: 30g, Carbohydrates: 15g. This nutritional information is based on one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
5. Mix in garam masala and chili powder; cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add chicken pieces and stir until well coated.
7. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt.
9. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Additionally, tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian option, while cashew cream can be used for a vegan approach.
Serving and Pairings
Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. For added flavor, serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or a side of sautéed vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor.
– Using low-quality tomatoes affects the sauce’s richness.
– Overcooking the chicken makes it dry.
– Skipping the cream will alter the dish’s signature texture.
– Forgetting to garnish with cilantro reduces visual appeal.
Helpful Tips
– Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor.
– Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
– Make the sauce ahead of time to save cooking time.
– Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
– Experiment with additional spices like cumin or coriander for depth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a great substitute in this recipe.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
Butter Chicken is generally mild, but you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make Butter Chicken vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of dairy for a delicious vegetarian version.
What should I serve with Butter Chicken?
Traditional pairings include basmati rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, add cream at a lower temperature and avoid boiling after adding it. Stir gently to maintain a smooth consistency.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making this delightful recipe and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Mix in garam masala and chili powder; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and stir until well coated.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in heavy cream and season with salt.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
