How To Make Butter Chicken At Home

Make sure these are present in your kitchen before you start preparing butter chicken.

Chicken

First of all, choose some well-fleshed, tender, and slimy-skinned chicken breasts or thighs. Cut these tender chunks into 1½-inch cubes.

Now, dunk them in this spicy, tangy bath of yogurt oozing with a whiff of aroma from spices. This soak gives flavor and tenderness to the meat.

Seasonings

Bring an explosion of flavor with a mix of fragrant spices. Sprinkle in some earthy garam masala, warm cumin powder, and sour coriander powder. Add a touch of something spicy with a vibrant red chili powder.

Want to be more adventurous? Swap in Cayenne for an extra fiery punch that'll wake up your taste buds.

Onion

Don't be stingy with the onions! Chop them in plenty to form the backbone of your butter chicken. As they cook, the onions will break down and caramelize into sweet, golden bits.

These onions melt into the sauce and form a luscious base full of depth and complexity.

Oil

Start with a high-quality oil that will be the foundation of your base. You can use heart-healthy avocado oil, neutral canola oil, or aromatic coconut oil.

This liquid gold will allow you to sauté the onions to caramelized perfection and cook the chicken to juicy flavor height.

Tomatoes

You can choose convenience with canned tomatoes or freshness with ripe, succulent ones. If you go with fresh tomatoes, the natural water will add brightness to your sauce. Have some extra water on hand so you can fine-tune your consistency to silky perfection.

Heavy Cream

In it goes heavy cream in plenty just to give the sauce that velvet touch. This addition gives the sauce a sumptuous mouthfeel and balances the spice level.

In some parts of the world, this is called whipping cream or double cream-the secret to that lovely, luscious texture in butter chicken.

Butter

Top your dish with a pat of golden butter, watching it melt, swirling through the sauce, and leaving a shining glaze behind. The richness, depth, and buttery flavor this adds is what this dish is known for.

Lemon Juice or Yogurt

To this, add the sharpness of lemon juice or dollop in sour yogurt to elevate your marinade. These acids not only tenderize your chicken but also leave a tad of sourness within.

For those in a rush, lime juice is a great substitute that brings its own variety of citrus surprises.

Fresh Ginger and Garlic

Sauté fresh ginger and garlic to create an aromatic flavor base. Pulse these pungent roots in a processor until their essential oils get released.

Add in vinegar and water that, besides helping you get a smooth paste, preserves the potency of the mixture in the sauce, hence ensuring that your butter chicken absorbs the bright and fresh flavors of these ingredients.

Cilantro

Finish with a flourish of fresh cilantro. These emerald green leaves give a pop of color and freshness, a citrusy note that cuts through the richness so well. While optional, cilantro elevates both the visual appeal and flavor profile of your butter chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb. of boneless chicken breast into 1½ inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons of aromatic tandoori masala
• 1 teaspoon each of zesty ginger paste and pungent garlic paste
• ½ cup of creamy yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of oil to bind it all together

Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of clarified butter
• 1 large onion for a sweet base
• 1½ teaspoons each of fragrant ginger paste and garlic paste
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can of rich crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of fiery chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons each of coriander powder and cumin powder
•  ½ cup of heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon of aromatic garam masala
• ¼ teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin your preparation by readying the star of this course, which is the chicken. In a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish, add chicken pieces, strained lemon juice, sprinkling garam masala and a pinch of kosher salt. Mince the garlic, adding it.

Mix well to coat each piece with flavors. Refrigerate chicken overnight in case you want more flavors. In a hurry? Soak it for 30 minutes at room temperature.

2. Make the Sauce

Let's make the star of your curry - a sauce that just gives a tingling whiz to taste buds. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large casserole.

Throw in half moon onions and let them sputter over medium heat. Watch them turn a beautiful golden brown over about 20 minutes. Throw coarsely chopped garlic into the pan. Let it emit its fragrance for about a minute.

Dust in garam masala, paprika, and cinnamon. Add a sprinkle of kosher salt. Let these spices bloom for a minute, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents. Add diced tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Blend and Simmer

Now, it's time to develop that smooth and velvety texture-perfect to mop up with garlic naan. Add the heavy cream to the sauce and give it richness.

Using an immersion blender, puree the sauce until super smooth. If using a standing blender, beware of hot steam! 

Put your sauce back on the heat and let it break a sweat, simmering gently while you salivate, waiting for the feast about to come.

4. Cook the Chicken

Take your marinated chicken and slide them into the simmering sauce. You can bid adieu to any extra marinade, as that has done its work.

Cover and let everything meld together over medium-low heat for about 12 minutes. Check a piece to make sure it's cooked through (you want the chicken to be tender and juicy, not overcooked).

5. Add Finishing Touches

These last-minute additions will take your dish from wonderful to just wow! Drop in butter, letting it melt into the sauce and giving that glistening sheen. Now taste, and adjust the salt to your taste. Your taste buds know best!

In case of using cilantro, sprinkle it on top to offer a fresh, colorful garnish.

Unlock the Secret to Flavor-Packed Chicken with these marination tips.

1. Embrace the Power of Planning

Are you a culinary strategist? Give your chicken an overnight spa treatment in the marinade. Watch it transform into a flavor-soaked delight by morning!

2. Spontaneous Cooking? No Problem!

Whipping up dinner on a whim? Fear not! Even a quick 30-minute marinade works wonders. Let your chicken mingle with those zesty flavors while you craft the sauce. You'll still taste the difference!

3. For the Perfectionists Among Us

Take your Butter Chicken to the next level! After marinating, give those chicken cubes a quick sear. Fire up the grill, sizzle them on a grill pan, or let them bask under the broiler for a few minutes. This extra step adds a delicious char before the cubes dive into your luscious sauce.

Even a brief step with bold flavors can elevate your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. So whether you're a planner, a spontaneous chef, or a detail-oriented cook, there's a marinating method to match your style.

Maximize flavor and minimize stress with these savvy prep and storage strategies for your Butter Chicken:

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Kickstart your culinary journey the night before. Bathe your chicken in that tantalizing marinade overnight. You'll save time and unlock deeper, more complex flavors.

2. Sauce Prep Magic

Whip up your sauce a day ahead. When you're ready to cook, simply reheat it and introduce the chicken. This trick turns a complex dish into a weeknight wonder.

3. Refrigerator Secrets

Didn't finish every last morsel? No problem! Seal your leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Enjoy it within 3 days for peak flavor and freshness.

4. Freezer-Friendly Feasts

Transform your Butter Chicken into a future feast. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, thaw it overnight in the fridge for a homemade meal in minutes.

5. Reheat Like a Pro

Breathe new life into leftover or thawed Butter Chicken. Warm it gently over low heat on the stove. If the sauce looks a bit thick, splash in some water to restore its silky texture. Stir frequently to ensure every bite is heated evenly and avoid any burnt bits.

With these tips in your culinary arsenal, you'll ensure your Butter Chicken remains a crowd-pleaser, whether served fresh or as a carefully preserved delicacy. Get ready to impress with your make-ahead mastery and storage smarts!

Keep your leftovers fresh. Use an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator. Proper storage preserves flavors and ensures food safety.

Reheating on the Stove:

Bring back the dish's rich taste. Pour leftovers into a pan. Heat it gently on the stove. Stir occasionally. This method keeps the sauce creamy. Your butter chicken will taste freshly made.

Microwave Option:

In a rush, try the microwave. This is great for recipes featuring coconut milk bases. Put your food in a heat-resistant microwave dish. Give it a loose cover. Heat in spurts. Stir between heating segments. In moments, you have a steaming meal.

Re-savor your butter chicken. The methods above ensure it tastes like its original delectable self and maintains its original texture. You may play around to find an ideal reheating method.

1. Papadums:

Serve crispy papadums for dunking. Try this quick microwave method. Place papadums around the microwave turntable. Cook on high for 45-60 seconds. They'll puff up nicely. Papadums start soft but crisp as they cool.

This method saves calories too! The light, crunchy texture goes beautifully with the creamy curry. Papadums add a satisfying crackle to each bite.

2. Indian Flatbreads:

Offer a variety of breads. Choose buttery naan, flaky paratha, or soft roti. These flatbreads scoop up sauce wonderfully. Naan's slight chewiness pairs perfectly with Butter Chicken. Paratha adds richness with its buttery layers.

Roti offers a lighter option for those watching calories. Each bread brings its own unique texture to the meal.

3. Basmati Rice:

Include fragrant basmati rice. It complements the rich curry perfectly. Basmati's long grains stay fluffy and separate. Its nutty aroma enhances the overall dining experience.

The rice soaks up the creamy sauce, balancing flavors in each spoonful. Serve it steaming hot for the best taste and texture.

Sides For Butter Chicken

1. Raita:

Cool down your meal with this chilled cucumber yogurt Salad. This recipe provides the right amount of cooling effect against the heat of the curry.

Crunchy cucumbers blend in well with yogurt. Fresh herbs add freshness to it. Raita soothes your palate between bites of spicy food.

2. Simple Salad:

Brighten up that plate with this rainbow salad-chopped fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sharp red onions, all meet in a bowl to dance in tangy lemon juice and smooth olive oil, finishing off with salt to bring it all together.

This light side cuts through the rich curry beautifully.

3. Beans Poriyal:

Add a tropical twist with Indian Green Beans and Coconut. Tender beans snap with freshness. Toasted coconut brings a nutty sweetness. Aromatic spices infuse every bite. Adds texture and flavor to any spread.

4. Aloo Gobi:

Impress a crowd with Cauliflower and Potato Curry. Golden potatoes and tender cauliflower soak up fragrant spices. This hearty side dish satisfies vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Aloo Gobi turns your Butter Chicken dinner into a feast.