Butter Chicken : This creamy, mildly spiced dish with tender chicken pieces in a creamy tomato-based gravy, Butter Chicken hits all the right notes for a hearty, comforting meal.
The Origins of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken was born in the 1950s in Delhi, India, at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. It is said that the dish was a happy accident, created when leftover Tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Marinate the chicken longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Ideally, leave it overnight.
- Use chicken thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, making them perfect for Butter Chicken.
- Balance the spices: If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust the chili powder to your liking. For a more robust flavor, you can add more garam masala.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a good amount of time to fully develop its flavors.
- For an authentic smoky flavor, char the chicken on a grill or tandoor before adding it to the sauce.
Variations of Butter Chicken
While the classic Butter Chicken is hard to beat, there are several variations that can add an exciting twist:
- Keto Butter Chicken: Skip the sugar and reduce the amount of tomatoes to lower the carb count. Pair it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional naan or rice.
- Vegan Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a plant-based option.
- Spicy Butter Chicken: For those who love heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies.
- Cashew-based Butter Chicken: For an even creamier texture, add a handful of blended cashews to the sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is typically served with basmati rice, naan, or roti. These neutral accompaniments allow the rich flavors of the dish to shine. You can also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber raita (yogurt with cucumbers and spices) to cool down the heat and add a refreshing contrast.
More serving ideas:
- Pulao: A fragrant rice dish that pairs beautifully with the rich butter chicken sauce.
- Garlic naan: For an extra burst of flavor, pair your butter chicken with homemade or store-bought garlic naan.
- Pickled onions: The tang of pickled onions provides a sharp contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld. Here’s how to store it:
- In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: Butter Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and let it cool before freezing.
How to Reheat:
- On the stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- In the microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, to ensure even heating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Butter Chicken tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors have more time to develop. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as none of the ingredients (like pre-made spice blends) contain gluten. Always check the labels to be sure.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. If you choose to use them, make sure not to overcook them.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt can also work for a lighter alternative.
How can I thicken my Butter Chicken sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. You can also blend a few cashews into the sauce for added thickness.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken : This creamy, mildly spiced dish with tender chicken pieces in a creamy tomato-based gravy, Butter Chicken hits all the right notes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1½ inch cubes
- 1 tsp EACH: ginger paste, garlic paste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp EACH: ginger paste, garlic paste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1½ tsp EACH: coriander powder, cumin powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together tandoori masala, ginger, garlic, and yogurt. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes (but ideally 12-24 hours) in the fridge for the best flavor.
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the ginger and garlic pastes, cooking for another 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, chili powder, coriander, and cumin. Simmer for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Blend the sauce until smooth (be careful with the hot mixture!). You can make this sauce ahead and store it for later use – it actually tastes better the next day!
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in the same pot and brown the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes. Pour in the prepared sauce, and once it begins to bubble, stir in the cream and garam masala. Simmer until it thickens slightly, then finish with crushed fenugreek leaves.
- Serve your Butter Chicken with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for the perfect indulgence. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 224mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 32g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, creamy textures with bold, fragrant spices. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and some key cooking tips, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.
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