Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is a delightful dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. This popular Indian recipe features tender chunks of chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, making it suitable for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. With its unique blend of spices, Indian Butter Chicken offers an irresistible balance of heat and creaminess, ensuring it will satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this flavorful dish in just 40 minutes.
• Flavorful and Rich: The combination of spices and creamy coconut milk creates a deliciously rich sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal, or pair it with your favorite sides for variety.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it appealing to children while still satisfying adult palates.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your cooking journey, gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pan: Ideal for cooking chicken evenly while allowing enough space to stir ingredients without spills.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (small diced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into ¾-inch chunks)

For the Base

• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 3 ounces red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creaminess

• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

For Serving

• Rice or naan for serving
• Cilantro (for garnish)

this recipe

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken

Step 1: Heat Your Pan

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat until melted.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

• Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

• Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Toast Spices

• Add garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder. Stir well to toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

• Add the chicken chunks to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomato Pastes

• Stir in tomato paste and red curry paste. Let cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 7: Season and Add Coconut Milk

• Season with salt and black pepper. Pour in coconut milk, stirring to incorporate everything.

Step 8: Simmer Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your Indian Butter Chicken over rice or with naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro before enjoying!

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with complementary sides that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Rice

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic rice pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor.
• Jeera Rice: This spiced cumin rice adds an extra layer of taste, making each bite more exciting.

With Naan

• Garlic Naan: Soft and pillowy, garlic naan is ideal for scooping up the butter chicken and enjoying its creamy texture.
• Butter Naan: Rich and buttery, this naan enhances the overall indulgence of the meal.

With Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the spicy butter chicken.
• Kachumber Salad: This Indian salad made with diced vegetables provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavors.

How to Perfect Indian Butter Chicken

To achieve the ultimate Indian Butter Chicken, follow these tips for a delicious result every time.

• Bold spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old spices can dull the dish’s taste.
• Marinate chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for a few hours enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Adjust creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of coconut milk or cream based on your preference for richness.
• Cook low and slow: Simmering the sauce gently allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Best Side Dishes for Indian Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Indian Butter Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Basmati Rice: The classic choice that complements the rich gravy well.
2. Garlic Naan: Soft bread with a hint of garlic makes it perfect for dipping into the sauce.
3. Palak Paneer: Creamy spinach and cheese dish adds a nutritious green element to your plate.
4. Aloo Gobi: Spiced potatoes and cauliflower provide a hearty vegetarian option alongside your chicken.
5. Raita: A cooling yogurt dip that balances out the heat from the spices in the butter chicken.
6. Chickpea Curry: A protein-packed dish that brings additional flavor variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Indian Butter Chicken, certain pitfalls can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using low-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and tenderness. Frozen chicken may not yield the same juicy texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry. Cook until it’s just done, around 15-20 minutes in the sauce.
• Neglecting to toast spices: Toasting spices enhances their flavors. Make sure to cook them briefly before adding other ingredients for a richer taste.
• Skipping seasonings: Don’t overlook seasoning adjustments. Taste your dish and add salt or spices as needed before serving for a well-balanced flavor.
• Using too much cream: While creaminess is key in Indian Butter Chicken, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe’s proportions for optimal balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Indian Butter Chicken

• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Indian Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated through. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indian Butter Chicken?

Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy chicken curry known for its rich tomato-based sauce infused with spices like garam masala and chili powder. It’s a beloved comfort food in Indian cuisine.

Can I make Indian Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Ensure all other components, like spices, are also gluten-free.

How spicy is Indian Butter Chicken?

The spice level can vary based on your preference. You can adjust the amount of chili powder used or opt for milder spices if you prefer less heat.

What should I serve with Indian Butter Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I customize my Indian Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas, or substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Indian Butter Chicken stands out as a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. Its creamy texture and rich spices make it versatile for various pairings. Experiment with different ingredients and spice levels to create your perfect version! Enjoy this delightful recipe that’s sure to please everyone at home.

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Indian Butter Chicken

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

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Description

Indian Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that captivates with its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor. This classic Indian recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a sumptuous tomato-based sauce, creating an ideal meal for special occasions or cozy weeknights. The harmonious blend of spices, including garam masala and chili powder, strikes the perfect balance between heat and creaminess, making it a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into chunks)
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 3 ounces red curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk (14 ounces)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
2. Sauté diced onions for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder; toast spices for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add chicken chunks; cook until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
6. Stir in tomato paste and red curry paste; cook for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper; pour in coconut milk and stir to combine.
8. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in yogurt mixed with spices before cooking. Pair with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.