Go Back
Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Butter Chicken is a creamy and aromatic dish that delivers rich flavors and tender chicken. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe can impress your family and friends with its delightful taste. Make it tonight for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion peeled and diced
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala (see note 1)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (see note 2)
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves or ½ teaspoon ground fenugreek (see note 3)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 cup heavy cream or unsweetened canned coconut milk
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • for serving cooked rice and naan bread or plain yogurt

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven
  • Peeler
  • Cutting Board
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat, add oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble slightly, creating a fragrant base. It should take about a minute or two.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pan. Sauté it until it turns lightly golden, which should take about five minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about thirty seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Add the cut chicken pieces to the pan along with the tomato paste, garam masala, red chili powder, fenugreek leaves, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, coating the chicken with the spices.
  5. Cook the mixture for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to begin browning slightly and the spices to become fragrant.
  6. Now, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir gently until it’s well combined. Let it simmer for about ten minutes.
  7. Once cooked, taste your Butter Chicken and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. To finish, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. They’ll add a pop of color and a refreshing touch.
  9. Serve your Butter Chicken over cooked rice and alongside warm naan bread. Enjoy the delighted smiles around the table!

Notes

  • Garam masala: Find this Indian spice blend at the store, or make your own garam masala with 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper, 2 tsp. ground cloves, 1 tsp. ground cardamom, and 1 tsp. ground ginger.
  • Red chili powder: A single or blend of ground chilies, not the Americanized “chili powder” used in chili recipes. Kashmiri and Guntur chilies are popular varieties, or substitute cayenne pepper.
  • Fenugreek leaves: Also known as kasoori methi, this herb is a staple in Indian cuisines, especially chutneys and curries.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until chicken reaches 165 degrees internally.