Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Taste of India

The aroma of spices wafts through the air as the rich, creamy sauce bubbles tantalizingly on the stove. Imagie tender pieces of chicken absorbing all the buttery goodness while aromatic spices dance around your kitchen like they’re at a party. That’s right; we’re diving into a delicious butter chicken recipe Indian style that will have you drooling with anticipation.

Every time I make this dish, it takes me back to my first experience at an authentic Indian restaurant where I felt like I had been transported to another world. The flavors were so vibrant and comforting that I knew I had to recreate that magic in my home kitchen. Butter chicken is perfect for cozy family dinners or when friends gather for game night—trust me; it’ll be the star of the show!

I once surprised my friends with this dish at a potluck, and let’s just say the compliments kept rolling in all night long!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Thighs provide juiciness and flavor; opt for skinless for easier cooking.
• Onion: Choose a large onion; it forms the base of your aromatic sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves pack a punch; don’t skimp on this essential flavor booster.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; it’s like a spice hug in every bite.
• Tomato Puree: This rich base gives your sauce its beautiful color; go for high-quality canned puree.
• Cream: Heavy cream creates that signature lusciousness; you can substitute with coconut milk if desired.
• Butter: The secret ingredient! Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
• Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): These blend together to create that irresistible depth of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those amazing flavors.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces; season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

Sauté Onion and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced onions until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook until they release their intoxicating aroma—around 1 minute should do the trick.

Incorporate Tomato Puree and Spices: Pour in your tomato puree along with garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined beautifully.

Add Chicken Pieces: Toss your seasoned chicken into the skillet; coat them well with all those glorious spices. Cook until browned on all sides—about 8-10 minutes.

Finish with Cream & Butter: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream along with more butter—a little extra never hurt anyone! Stir gently until everything is well-blended—let simmer for another 10 minutes.

Serve hot over fluffy rice or alongside warm naan! Enjoy your homemade butter chicken proudly; you’ve earned it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour; this ensures maximum flavor. Cook the chicken until golden brown before adding the sauce for that extra depth.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for paneer or vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Adding roasted cashews can enhance both flavor and texture, making it even more indulgent.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain creaminess.

The first time I made this butter chicken recipe Indian, my friends declared me a culinary genius! Their praise was so overwhelming that I still blush whenever I think about it.

FAQ

Can I make this butter chicken recipe Indian spicy?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder or fresh chilies to increase heat levels.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Naan bread, basmati rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad pair wonderfully.

How long can I store leftover butter chicken?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing quality.

Print

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Taste of India

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this creamy, flavorful butter chicken recipe that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sauté diced onion until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Toss in seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (8-10 minutes).
6. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream along with additional butter. Stir gently and let simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot over rice or with warm naan.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least an hour before cooking. Substitute chicken with paneer or vegetables for a vegetarian option. Add roasted cashews for extra texture and indulgence.