Description
This comforting Butter Chicken recipe combines tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. It’s a classic Indian dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken fillet, cut into pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan with the aromatics. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, ensuring it is partially cooked through.
- Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Stir in the tomato puree and sugar, mixing well. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to develop the sauce and fully cook the chicken.
- Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine thoroughly. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
- Adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of garam masala and paprika.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread for an authentic experience.
