Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a beloved Indian classic of tender chicken bathed in a velvety, mildly spiced tomato and butter sauce. The sauce is rich and slightly sweet, with a smooth creaminess that makes it irresistibly comforting. Served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to scoop up every drop, it is pure indulgence for the whole family.
- ⏱ 40 min
- 📊 medium
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 700 g chicken thighs
- 400 g tomato puree
- 60 g butter
- 100 ml cream
- 2 tbsp garam masala
Instructions
- Marinate 700 grams of cubed chicken in half a cup of yogurt, one tablespoon of lemon juice, grated ginger, garlic, and one teaspoon of turmeric for at least thirty minutes.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil for five minutes until lightly browned on the outside, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat and saute one chopped onion for seven minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, one tablespoon of garam masala, and one teaspoon of cumin, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in one can of crushed tomatoes and simmer for ten minutes, then blend the mixture until completely smooth and return it to the pan.
- Lower the heat and stir in three quarters of a cup of heavy cream and one more tablespoon of butter for a glossy, rich sauce.
- Add the seared chicken and simmer gently for twelve minutes until cooked through and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish with a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
💡 Chef's tip
Blend the cooked onion and tomato base until completely smooth before adding the cream, because that silky puree is what gives butter chicken its signature luxurious texture.
Finishing the sauce with cold butter swirled in off the heat (mounting) gives butter chicken its signature glossy richness that simply adding cream cannot.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 34 g
