Butter Chicken

A Classic Indian Dish with a Rich Blend of Spices
Butter Chicken pinit View Gallery 1 photo

Butter Chicken: An Indian Culinary Delight

Butter Chicken, a classic dish from the heart of India, boasts a rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and a creamy tomato sauce. This beloved recipe has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, offering a perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Ideal for any occasion, Butter Chicken serves as a testament to the complexity and beauty of Indian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Rich Flavor: A symphony of spices creates a deeply satisfying taste.
  • Creamy Texture: The silky sauce is a perfect match for the succulent pieces of chicken.
  • Comforting: It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
  • Versatile: Serve it with rice, naan, or your favorite Indian bread for a complete meal.

A Dish with History

Originating from the kitchens of the Mughal Empire, Butter Chicken has evolved over centuries into the modern version we love today. Its creation is attributed to the inventive chefs of Delhi in the 1950s, who sought to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken. By simmering it in a creamy tomato sauce, they gave birth to a dish that would become a global phenomenon.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a special weeknight meal, or simply craving the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken is a versatile choice that promises to delight. Its rich, creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, makes it a favorite among both children and adults alike.

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr
Servings: 4 Calories: 600
Best Season: All Year

Description

Butter Chicken, a classic dish from the heart of India, features tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, boasting a rich blend of spices. It's a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    Combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, 1 tsp garam masala, cumin powder, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's fully done. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce
    In the same pan, add the remaining butter, tomato puree, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the remaining garam masala, salt to taste, and heavy cream. Stir well until the sauce becomes creamy.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
    Add the cooked chicken into the sauce and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. The chicken should be tender and fully coated with the sauce.
  5. Serve
    Serve the Butter Chicken hot with rice, naan, or your favorite Indian bread.
Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 portion

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 600kcal
Calories from Fat 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 33gg51%
Saturated Fat 20gg100%
Trans Fat 1gg
Cholesterol 150mgmg50%
Sodium 200mgmg9%
Potassium 300mgmg9%
Total Carbohydrate 15gg5%
Dietary Fiber 3gg12%
Sugars 5gg
Protein 50gg100%

Vitamin A 1000IU IU
Vitamin C 10mg mg
Calcium 100mg mg
Iron 2mg mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter. Adjust the amount of garam masala and chili powder to suit your taste.
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Cuisine, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Spices, Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast. They may add more flavor due to their higher fat content.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just reheat before serving.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream.

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Annie Elison

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi ! I am Annie Elison! I’m a proud mom of two wonderful children and a devoted food enthusiast from the USA. Cooking has always been my passion, and over the years, I’ve collected a treasure trove of recipes that I’m excited to share with you.

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