Easy Indian Butter Chicken is a classic and popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a creamy and flavorful chicken curry that is cooked with a rich buttery tomato sauce. The dish is known for its unique combination of spices, such as garam masala, turmeric, and ginger, which give it a distinct and aromatic flavor.
Traditionally, Butter Chicken is made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooking it in a tandoor or clay oven. However, this recipe provides an easy and convenient way to make this delicious dish at home, without the need for a tandoor. It can be prepared using a regular stovetop and oven.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Easy Indian Butter Chicken are:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are flavorful and tender. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, red chili powder (optional), salt, and black pepper. This marinade adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the chicken. The dish is cooked in a buttery tomato-based sauce, which is made by sautéing onions in butter and then adding crushed tomatoes. The heavy cream is added to give the sauce a creamy and luscious texture. The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro, which adds a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Recipe Steps
To make Easy Indian Butter Chicken, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, ground coriander, and paprika. Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated into the yogurt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture and coat them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and starts to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, along with any excess yogurt marinade. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Season the butter chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish over steamed basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Indian Butter Chicken at home has never been easier with these simple steps. Enjoy the rich and flavorful dish with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, all made from scratch.
Tips from professional chefs
When preparing the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe, professional chefs suggest the following tips to make the dish even more delicious:
- Marinating the chicken: To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, marinate it in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with rich flavors and ensure it stays moist during cooking.
- Toasting the spices: Before adding the spices to the sauce, toast them in a dry pan to release their aromas and deepen their flavors. This step adds complexity to the dish and brings out the best in the spices.
- Using ghee for a traditional taste: Ghee, or clarified butter, is commonly used in Indian cooking and gives the dish an authentic flavor. Substitute regular butter with ghee for a rich and nutty taste that complements the spices in the dish.
Remember to adjust the level of spices according to your preference and taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delicious flavors of this Easy Indian Butter Chicken!
Reviews
I recently tried the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The flavors were rich and authentic, giving me a true taste of Indian cuisine right at home. The recipe was easy to follow, with clear instructions and readily available ingredients. I was able to find everything I needed in my local grocery store, which made the cooking process even more convenient.
The chicken turned out tender and juicy, perfectly coated in the creamy and flavorful sauce. The combination of spices, such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin, created a harmonious balance of flavors that left me wanting more. I was impressed by how the sauce clung to the chicken, creating a delicious coating that enhanced the overall taste.
The dish also had a perfect level of heat for my preferences. The addition of chili powder gave it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. The creamy texture of the sauce complemented the heat, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile. It was a restaurant-quality dish that I was proud to serve to my family and friends.
In conclusion, the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a must-try for any Indian food lover. It is a simple yet impressive dish that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is accessible to all skill levels. I highly recommend giving it a try and experiencing the deliciousness for yourself.
I recently tried the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and complex, with a perfect balance of spices. The dish was so easy to make, thanks to the clear step-by-step instructions provided. I was able to recreate the authentic Indian taste right at home, which was a pleasant surprise.
The chicken was tender and juicy, and the creamy tomato sauce was just divine. The combination of butter, cream, and spices gave the dish a velvety texture and a lovely depth of flavor. It was a delight to indulge in every bite.
Overall, I highly recommend the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe to anyone who wants to enjoy a traditional Indian dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a foolproof recipe that delivers exceptional results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is definitely worth a try!
I recently tried the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices. The recipe was incredibly easy to follow and the end result was a restaurant-quality dish that I was proud to serve to my family and friends.
The chicken was tender and juicy, and the creamy tomato sauce was so indulgent. The combination of butter, cream, and spices created a velvety texture that was simply irresistible. I loved how the flavors of the spices permeated the chicken, making each bite bursting with flavor.
Another thing I enjoyed about this recipe is that it was versatile. I was able to adjust the level of spiciness to my liking and add extra vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, to make it even more hearty. The recipe also included tips for making the dish ahead of time and freezing it, which was incredibly helpful for someone like me who likes to meal prep.
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will not disappoint. The flavors are authentic and the end result is a truly satisfying meal that will have you coming back for more. I can’t wait to make it again!
I recently tried the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe and I was blown away by how delicious it turned out. As someone who loves Indian cuisine but finds some recipes challenging, I was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward and easy this recipe was to follow. The end result was a creamy and flavorful dish that tasted just as good as any restaurant version I’ve had.
The recipe had a perfect balance of spices, with a hint of heat from the chili powder and a lovely warmth from the garam masala. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the sauce was rich and velvety. I loved the addition of the butter and cream, as it added a luxuriousness to the dish that made it feel indulgent and special.
One of the things I appreciated most about this recipe was how versatile it was. I was able to adjust the level of spiciness to my liking by adding more or less chili powder, and I could also tweak the amount of butter and cream to make it lighter or more decadent. It’s a recipe that can easily be customized to suit individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a winner in my book. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine without the hassle of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe and I was absolutely amazed by the flavors and simplicity of this dish. As a busy working woman, I appreciate recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, and this one definitely delivered. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, I was able to create a delicious and authentic Indian dish right in my own kitchen.
The flavors in this Easy Indian Butter Chicken were outstanding. The combination of spices, such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin, created a rich and aromatic sauce that coated the tender chicken pieces perfectly. The addition of butter and cream added a creamy and indulgent touch to the dish, making it incredibly satisfying.
What I loved most about this recipe was how versatile it was. I was able to adjust the spiciness to my liking by adding more or less chili powder, and I even added some vegetables, like bell peppers and peas, to make it a more wholesome meal. The recipe also suggested serving it with basmati rice and naan bread, which complemented the butter chicken wonderfully.
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that can be easily made at home, even for those who are new to cooking Indian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
