Butter chicken, a delicious and iconic Indian dish, is a favorite among food lovers worldwide. This easy recipe allows you to recreate the rich and flavorful experience of this classic dish in the comfort of your own home. With its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, butter chicken is a perfect blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness. Let’s embark on this culinary journey and discover how simple it is to bring this restaurant-style delicacy to your dinner table.
To begin your culinary adventure, gather these fresh and fragrant ingredients. You’ll need boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and a blend of spices: garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. For the sauce, tomatoes, onion, butter (of course!), cream, and a few more spices will be the stars of the show. A pinch of sugar and some fresh coriander leaves will elevate the flavors even further.
The preparation starts with marinating the chicken. Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and the spice blend. Coat the chicken pieces in this flavorful marinade and let it rest, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. While the chicken is resting, you can prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a pan, add chopped onions, and sauté until golden. Then, add tomatoes and spices, letting the mixture cook until the oil separates, creating a rich and flavorful base.
Once the chicken is nicely marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can grill or pan-fry the chicken pieces until they are cooked through and have a lovely golden color. Set the chicken aside, and it’s time to finish the sauce. Add cream to the tomato mixture, stirring well. Then, add the sugar and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Finally, place the cooked chicken into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
Garnish with fresh coriander, and your easy butter chicken is ready! Serve it with rice, naan bread, or even a simple salad for a delightful, flavorsome meal.