Butter Chicken Recipe: How to Make This Delicious Indian Dish

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that everyone loves. It is a creamy, flavorful, and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about making butter chicken at home. We will cover the ingredients, the marinade, the kitchen tools you need, and the step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouth-watering dish. So, let's get started!

Ingredients Needed to Make Butter Chicken Recipe

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients we need to make this delicious dish:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Marinade Butter Chicken Recipe

Now that we have all the ingredients, let's start with the marinade:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Butter Chicken Recipe

Before we start cooking, let's make sure we have all the necessary tools:

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe

Now that we have everything we need, let's start cooking:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, paprika, and garam masala, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
• A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it may not be as tender and flavorful as chicken thighs.
• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
• A: Yes, you can make the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding the cooked chicken.
• Q: Can I freeze butter chicken?
• A: Yes, you can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Q: Can I make this dish spicy?
• A: Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to make it spicy.
• Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
• A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, but it may be thicker and tangier than plain yogurt.
• Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
• A: Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes, but you may need to blend them in a blender or food processor to make them smoother.
• Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?
• A: Yes, you can use coconut milk, but it will give the dish a coconut flavor.
• Q: Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter?
• A: Yes, you can use vegetable oil, but it will not have the same rich and buttery flavor.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
• A: Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes to this dish.
• Q: Can I use store-bought garam masala?
• A: Yes, you can use store-bought garam masala, but it may not be as fresh and flavorful as homemade garam masala.
• Q: Can I make this dish without a skillet or Dutch oven?
• A: Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken?
• A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook.
• Q: Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
• A: Yes, you can use tomato sauce, but it may be sweeter than crushed tomatoes.
• Q: Can I add more spices to this dish?
• A: Yes, you can add more spices to suit your taste.
• Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
• A: Yes, you can use tofu or vegetables instead of chicken, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Q: Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?
• A: Yes, you can use lamb, beef, or shrimp instead of chicken.
• Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
• A: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but they may not be as flavorful as fresh herbs.
• Q: How long does it take to make butter chicken?
• A: It takes about 30 minutes to prepare the marinade and sauce, and about 20-25 minutes to cook the chicken.
• Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
• A: This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
• Q: Is butter chicken healthy?
• A: Butter chicken is not the healthiest dish due to its high calorie and fat content. However, you can make it healthier by using less butter and cream, and adding more vegetables.

Conclusion

Butter chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can make it at home with ease. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will love this recipe. So, gather all the ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy this creamy and flavorful dish!