Name: The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream

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Introduction

Butter chicken is a rich and creamy Indian favorite loved around the world for its tender chicken and flavorful sauce. This recipe brings together aromatic spices and a smooth tomato cream base for a delightful meal perfect for any occasion.

A shiny silver bowl filled with thick orange curry sauce with chunks of chicken coated evenly inside. Bright green fresh cilantro leaves are scattered on top of the curry. One piece of white naan bread with brown char spots rests partially dipped in the curry on the side of the bowl. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is sitting on a wooden board with a blurred background of green herbs and more naan bread on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp ginger, minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend together.
Step 4: Add the chicken chunks to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
Add a pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) towards the end of cooking for an authentic aroma.
Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up image of creamy orange butter chicken served in a white bowl, with chunks of tender chicken coated in rich, smooth sauce, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Partially dipped into the sauce is a piece of soft, slightly charred naan bread with golden-brown spots. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, and the meal is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. In the background, more naan bread and fresh green herbs can be seen softly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs perfectly with basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for balance.