Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of India to your table. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, this recipe is an indulgent choice for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, Indian Butter Chicken is rich in flavor and sure to impress your guests with its aromatic spices and comfort food appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that will transport you straight to India.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice or naan, allowing you to customize your meal experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture and savory taste make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools you’ll need for making Indian Butter Chicken. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or large pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or large pan: A good-quality skillet allows even cooking and browning of the chicken.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of vegetables and chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for balancing the flavors in this dish.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Indian Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (small diced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Spices

• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into ¾-inch chunks)
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 3 ounces red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Touches

• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
• Rice or naan for serving
• Cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken

Follow these steps to create your own flavorful Indian Butter Chicken at home.

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Add the garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder. Stir well to toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Tomato Pastes

Stir in the tomato paste and red curry paste. Let the mixture cook for 2–3 minutes to combine.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to mix everything well.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your Indian Butter Chicken over rice or with naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro before enjoying!

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it over rice or alongside bread, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Steamed Basmati Rice

• This classic pairing allows the creamy sauce to soak into the fluffy rice, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

With Garlic Naan

• Soft and warm garlic naan is perfect for dipping into the rich butter chicken sauce, making each bite flavorful and enjoyable.

As a Wrap

• Use flatbreads or tortillas to create wraps filled with Indian Butter Chicken, fresh veggies, and yogurt for a quick and tasty meal on the go.

Over Quinoa

• For a nutritious twist, serve Indian Butter Chicken over quinoa. The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the spices beautifully.

With a Side Salad

• A refreshing cucumber or mixed greens salad provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the butter chicken, balancing the meal perfectly.

How to Perfect Indian Butter Chicken

To make your Indian Butter Chicken truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor. Always check your spice jar before starting to ensure they’re potent.

• Marinate the Chicken: For added tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. Start small and add more if needed.

• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the chicken to simmer longer helps develop deeper flavors while ensuring it’s tender and juicy.

• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding cilantro just before serving brightens up the dish and adds freshness that complements the rich sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Indian Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Indian Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based condiment that balances spicy flavors perfectly.
2. Aloo Gobi: This spiced potato and cauliflower dish adds texture and flavor variety.
3. Chapati: A whole wheat flatbread that’s light and perfect for scooping up butter chicken.
4. Mixed Vegetable Curry: A medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in spices creates a colorful side.
5. Samosas: Crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes or peas serve as an exciting appetizer.
6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and cucumber offers a refreshing contrast.
7. Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy chutney enhances each bite with its zesty flavor profile.
8. Lentil Dal: Creamy lentils seasoned with spices provide an excellent source of protein alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Indian Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Incorrect Spice Measurements: Using too much or too little of spices like garam masala can throw off the balance of flavors. Always measure carefully for the best results.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté onions, garlic, and ginger properly can lead to bland flavors. Take the time to cook them until fragrant for a richer taste.
• Not Browning the Chicken: Adding chicken without browning it first can result in a less flavorful dish. Ensure each piece is browned on all sides before adding sauces.
• Rushing the Simmering Process: Skipping the simmering step can leave your sauce thin and unflavored. Allow it to simmer so that flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
• Using Low-Quality Coconut Milk: Poor-quality coconut milk can affect the creaminess of your dish. Opt for full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Indian Butter Chicken

• Place cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Indian Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add butter chicken and stir occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indian Butter Chicken?

Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, spiced chicken dish that features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce enriched with spices.

How do I make Indian Butter Chicken spicier?

To make Indian Butter Chicken spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chopped chilies during cooking.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute beef or lamb if desired, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

Is Indian Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that all ingredients used are free from gluten contaminants.

How can I customize my Indian Butter Chicken?

You can customize Indian Butter Chicken by adding vegetables such as peas or bell peppers, or using different herbs for garnish like mint or parsley.

Final Thoughts

Indian Butter Chicken is not just delicious but also versatile. You can serve it with rice, naan, or even pasta. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Try this comforting dish today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Indian Butter Chicken

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Indian Butter Chicken, a classic dish that brings vibrant Indian cuisine right to your dining table. This delightful recipe features tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. With its easy preparation and comforting taste, Indian Butter Chicken is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside warm naan for a truly satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (small diced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into ¾-inch chunks)
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 3 ounces red curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk (14 ounces)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté diced onion for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, and toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Mix in tomato paste and red curry paste; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper, then pour in coconut milk and stir well.
7. Bring to a simmer; let cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
8. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 85mg