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- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 teaspoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt to taste - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 1 cup crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish The main ingredients for butter chicken are simple yet flavorful. Boneless chicken thighs give a juicy bite. The yogurt helps to tenderize the meat. Spices like garam masala and turmeric add warmth and depth. The crushed tomatoes and heavy cream make the sauce creamy and rich. - Mixing bowl - Large cooking pan - Measuring spoons and cups You will need a few essential kitchen tools. A mixing bowl is great for marinating the chicken. A large cooking pan helps to cook everything evenly. Measuring spoons and cups ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient. Having these tools ready makes cooking smooth and easy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to combine yogurt and spices. In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to add salt to your taste. Next, coat the chicken pieces. Take 1 ½ lbs of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, and mix them well with the yogurt mixture. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. After that, cover the bowl and let it marinate. You can do this for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the fridge gives better flavor. Now, it's time to cook. Start by sautéing onions. Heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped large onion and sauté it until golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. After the onions are ready, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to add crushed tomatoes. Pour in 1 cup of crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. This step allows the dish to thicken and develop rich flavors. For the final touch, stir in heavy cream. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Lastly, garnish with cilantro. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken over basmati rice or with garlic naan! Using fresh spices makes a big difference. They add strong taste and aroma. I always recommend whole spices for the best flavor. You can grind them just before cooking for a lovely scent. Marinating the chicken is key. I suggest marinating for at least one hour. For the best results, try marinating overnight. This adds depth to the dish and makes the chicken juicy. Balancing creaminess with seasoning is important. Too much cream can dull the flavors. Start with a little cream, then taste and adjust. Cooking temperature control matters, too. Use medium heat to cook the chicken. This helps it brown nicely without drying out. When you add cream, lower the heat. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken while keeping it rich and smooth. Pro Tips Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for a more intense flavor and tender texture. Butter Balance: Use a mix of ghee and butter for a richer taste and authentic Indian flavor. Spice it Up: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference; start with less and add more as needed. Garnish Glamour: Top with toasted cashews or almonds for an extra crunch and a touch of elegance. {{image_2}} You can change the spice level in butter chicken easily. If you want more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right spice for your family. If you enjoy extra heat, think about adding fresh chili. You can chop up green chilies and mix them in with the onions. This adds a nice kick and more flavor. Just remember to use the chili sparingly, especially if you have kids. You can switch some ingredients if needed. For a lighter dish, use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast cooks faster and is leaner. Just make sure to check it is fully cooked. If you have dietary needs, there are good alternatives too. You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. This adds a nice, rich flavor. Also, you can try tofu for a vegetarian dish. Just marinate and cook it like you would chicken. After making butter chicken, let it cool down first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use the stove or microwave. Stir it well to heat evenly. Add a splash of cream or water if it looks thick. To freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir well and enjoy! You can enjoy butter chicken with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed basmati rice: It soaks up the rich sauce well. - Garlic naan: This bread is perfect for dipping. - Vegetable curry: A light curry pairs nicely. - Salad: A fresh salad adds a crunchy contrast. These sides make your meal complete and satisfy all taste buds. Yes, you can prepare butter chicken ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken: Do this a day early for better flavor. - Cook and chill: You can cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat gently: Use a low heat to warm it up and prevent drying. Planning ahead saves time and makes dinner easier. Butter chicken can be mild or spicy, depending on your taste. Here’s how to adjust spice levels: - Cayenne pepper: Start with less if you prefer mild. - Add chili: You can add fresh chili for extra heat. - Taste as you go: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust. This flexibility makes butter chicken enjoyable for everyone. In this guide, I covered key ingredients for butter chicken, including chicken, spices, and dairy. You learned essential tools like mixing bowls and pans. I explained how to marinate, cook, and add final touches for flavor. I also included tips for authentic taste and texture, variations for spice levels, and storage advice. Butter chicken is a dish you can easily make your own. With these steps and tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal tailored to your preferences. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Butter Chicken Delight

A rich and creamy butter chicken dish, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • to taste salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve over basmati rice and with garlic naan for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, creamy, Indian cuisine