Spices and Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of homemade Butter Chicken with our comprehensive cooking guide. This classic Indian dish, known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces, is a delight for the senses. Follow these step-by-step instructions to recreate the magic of Butter Chicken in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the cooked chicken to the tomato sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

5. Add Butter and Cream:

• Stir in the unsalted butter and heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

6. Enhance with Fenugreek Leaves:

• Crush the dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and add them to the Butter Chicken. This imparts a distinctive flavor.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the Butter Chicken with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot with naan or rice.

Tips:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red chili powder.
• For extra richness, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with cashew paste.
• Experiment with the marination time for more intense flavors.

Now, savor the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home. The velvety sauce, infused with a blend of spices, complements the succulent chicken pieces for a culinary experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. Elevate your home-cooking repertoire with this delectable Butter Chicken recipe that promises to be a family favorite.