Name: Authentic Indian Butter Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, you’ve landed in the right place! This Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience is one of those treasures that I love to share with friends and family. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to special family gatherings. Once you taste this buttery goodness, you’ll understand why it has a special spot in my heart.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delightful flavors but also in how easy it is to prepare. You’ll find that even if you’re new to cooking Indian cuisine, this dish will have you feeling like an expert chef in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will rave about.
Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep! Marinate the chicken ahead of time or make a big batch for leftovers throughout the week.
Endless Flavor: Each bite is packed with spices that create a symphony of taste, transporting you straight to India.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this mouthwatering butter chicken is all about using wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade

1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about cooking is making recipes your own! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breasts or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add more red chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños.
Creamy alternative: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.

How to Make Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt until well combined. This marinade is crucial because it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with incredible flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to your marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you want deeper flavors. This step really makes all the difference!

Step 3: Sauté Onions

In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This caramelization process brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Now it’s time for our marinated chicken! Add it to the pan and cook for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through. You want those juices sealed in!

Step 6: Add Tomato Purée

Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine everything nicely. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so that all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Reduce heat to low and gently stir in heavy cream until well incorporated. Cook for another 5-7 minutes while adjusting seasoning as needed. This is where your sauce gets its luxurious creaminess!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Pair this dish with fluffy rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce—your guests will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience

Making butter chicken is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate this dish to perfection!

Choose the right chicken: Opting for boneless chicken thighs rather than breasts ensures juiciness and tenderness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Marinate longer: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. This not only infuses the spices but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
Control the heat: Cooking on medium heat helps develop flavors without burning the spices. It allows the onions to caramelize beautifully while preventing any bitterness.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish. If possible, grind whole spices just before use for maximum aroma and taste.
Don’t skip the cream: Heavy cream adds richness and balances out the spices. For a lighter version, you could use coconut cream as a substitute while maintaining that creamy texture.

How to Serve Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience

Serving butter chicken is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes to enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color that brightens up the dish.
Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten flavors and provide a zesty contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is perfect for soaking up the rich butter sauce and provides a neutral base for balancing flavors.
Naan Bread: Soft naan is excellent for dipping into the sauce, adding a delightful texture that complements every bite of chicken.
Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based side dish made with cucumbers is perfect for balancing out any heat from the spices in your butter chicken.
Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach with paneer cheese offers a hearty vegetarian option that pairs wonderfully with butter chicken, enhancing your meal’s overall richness and flavor profile.

These serving suggestions will not only make your plate visually appealing but will also create an unforgettable dining experience! Enjoy your Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste amazing, but it also stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For optimal flavor, reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

Let the butter chicken cool down, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Label with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Add a splash of cream or water if it’s too thick upon reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that they may dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re tender and juicy.

What makes this Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience special?

This recipe combines aromatic spices with rich butter and cream, creating a deeply flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Indian cuisine. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free version while keeping the richness intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s not just about great food; it’s about sharing an amazing experience with family and friends. Remember, cooking is all about love and creativity. Enjoy every moment and happy cooking!

Authentic Indian Butter Chicken

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Indian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Amazing Experience. This dish is a beloved classic, celebrated for its tantalizing blend of spices and velvety sauce that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this butter chicken will transport your taste buds straight to India. With tender marinated chicken simmered in a luscious sauce, it’s a delightful experience that even novice cooks can master. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up every drop of that mouthwatering sauce!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces; coat well and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute.
Add marinated chicken; cook until fully cooked through (8-10 minutes).
Stir in tomato puree; simmer for about 10 minutes.
Reduce heat and gently stir in heavy cream; cook for another 5-7 minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.