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.