What warms the belly more than a perfectly spiced, creamy, and authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe? Our simple recipe details everything you need to cook this scrumptious meal in just 30 minutes! Indulge in the rich taste of a perfectly balanced masala spice blend, clarified butter (ghee), tomatoes, coconut milk, and fragrant Himalayan basmati rice. Adjust the spice level to your liking with Kashmiri chili powder. This easy butter chicken recipe will transport you from your kitchen into the homes of India, warming your palette and your tummy with its tantalizing balance of cream and spice!
Introduction to Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the globe. This iconic dish, originating from the Indian subcontinent, is renowned for its rich, creamy, and spicy flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, makes Butter Chicken an irresistible treat. Typically served with fragrant basmati rice and soft naan bread, this dish is perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or new to its delights, Butter Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy.
Indian Butter Chicken Recipe’s History
Legend has it that the first butter chicken was created in the 1950s in Delhi, India. As the story goes, a small restaurant owner’s grandson took over the business when his grandfather fell ill. Meanwhile, the grandson noticed that by the end of the day the restaurant’s tandoori chicken would tend to dry out if unsold. Then, he came up with the idea to mix it in a rich gravy using spices, tomatoes, butter, and cream. Consequently, the perfect Indian butter chicken recipe was born, and the rest is history! Read more about the history of Butter Chicken.
The combination of ingredients in butter chicken creates a dish that is both flavorful and comforting. The ghee adds a rich, buttery taste, while the tomatoes and coconut cream contribute to the creamy texture. The masala spice blend provides a complex array of flavors, from the heat of the chili powder to the aromatic qualities of the other spices.
We hope that you enjoy this crave-able dish! When you get a chance to try it, we would love to hear about your results in the comments below. Some of these ingredients may be difficult to find in your local grocery store, especially if you don’t have access to an Indian grocery store, so we have gone ahead and added a few helpful links to specialty Amazon products below.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create a mouthwatering Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Basmati rice, for serving
- Naan bread, for serving
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. While the chicken marinates, prepare the other ingredients. Thinly slice the onions, mince the garlic, and dice the tomato. This preparation will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they are lightly browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomato, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well-blended.
Next, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
Tips for a Delicious Meal
To ensure your Butter Chicken is absolutely delicious, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh cilantro and heavy cream, to give the dish a rich and creamy flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Aim for tender, juicy pieces.
- A blend of spices, including garam masala and chilli powder, will provide a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
- Serve the Butter Chicken with basmati rice and naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. The combination of chicken with basmati rice is a classic pairing that enhances the dining experience.
- Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of raita (a yogurt and cucumber sauce) for added flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results when making Butter Chicken, be mindful of these common mistakes:
- Avoid overmarinating the chicken, as it can become too salty and tough. Marinate for the recommended time to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick and sticky. Simmer gently to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and full-fat cream, to ensure the best flavor and texture. Low-quality ingredients can negatively impact the dish.
- Don’t skip the step of simmering the sauce, as this helps to thicken it and develop the flavors fully.
- Always serve Butter Chicken with basmati rice and naan bread, as they are essential components that complement the dish perfectly.
By following these tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be able to create a Butter Chicken dish that is truly impressive and delicious. Enjoy your culinary journey into the world of Indian cooking!
Happy cooking!
Indian Butter Masala & Basmati Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice
- 15-18 oz Crushed tomatoes
- ½ Onion, chopped
- 5-7 oz Coconut cream or heavy cream
- ¼ cup Masala spice blend
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1-2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1-2 teaspoon Kashmiri or cayenne chili powder (optional)
Proteins (choose 1):
Instructions
Cook the Rice
- Place basmati rice in a rice cooker or medium pot with lid.
- Rinse the rice by adding cold water to pot, swirling, and carefully draining 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Optional: soak rice in water for 20 min. before cooking to achieve longer grains.
- Add 1.5 cups of water to rice, half of the ghee, and half of the Himalayan pink salt.
- Rice cooker: press start/cook.
- Stovetop: bring rice to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes. Continue with recipe while the rice cooks…Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork to ensure you have perfectly cooked rice, which will serve as the base for your Butter Chicken.
Prep Ingredients including Tomato Paste
- Open tomatoes and coconut cream.
- Prepare about 2 cups of protein by cleaning and cutting into bitesize pieces, if needed.
- (Optional) Finely dice half of a medium onion (about ½ cup).
Create the Masala
- Spoon the remaining half of the ghee into a large saucepan with lid, heat over medium. Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and add the masala spice blend and desired amount of Kashmiri chili powder. Cook for another minute until a paste forms.
Add Protein & Seasonings
- Add the tomatoes, your protein, coconut cream, sugar, and the remaining half of the Himalayan pink salt.
Develop the Flavors
- (Optional) if adding peas, stir into the butter masala now.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has a gravy-like consistency.
- Tip: to thin, gradually add water, to thicken, simmer without a lid.
Plate & Enjoy!
- When the basmati rice has finished cooking, fluff with a fork to release excess moisture.
- Serve butter masala with a side of cooked basmati rice.
- Enhance your experience with an Indian music playlist (takeoutkit.com/playlists).
- “Enjoy your meal” kripyā bhojan kā ānnand lijīyai!
Video
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Rachael says
Simple and delicious. I love how you can dress this recipe up or make it simple.