Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Evenings

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, promising a taste adventure that’s about to unfold. In just a few moments, you’ll be swooning over a buttery, creamy butter chicken recipe that dances on your palate and warms your heart.

Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. The kind of evening that begs for comfort food. Your family gathers around the dinner table, eyes wide with anticipation as they inhale the fragrant spices mingling with the rich sauce. What could possibly be more inviting?

Growing up, I remember my mother making this dish during family gatherings. The laughter and chatter were always accompanied by the enticing smell of her famous butter chicken simmering away, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• Fresh Ginger: Use grated ginger for its zesty kick; it enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.

• Onion: A medium onion works wonders in building a flavorful base; don’t skimp on this ingredient!

• Tomato Puree: Opt for high-quality puree; it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Cream: Heavy cream provides that luscious texture; feel free to substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

• Butter: The star of this recipe! Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness.

• Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): Freshly ground spices elevate flavors—don’t settle for pre-ground if you can avoid it!

• Sugar: Just a pinch balances out acidity from tomatoes and spices.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing your glorious chicken. Cut your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor while allowing them to marinate briefly.

Next, heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they soften and turn golden brown. You want them translucent enough to release their sweet aroma but not burnt—nobody wants crispy onion bits ruining their creamy experience!

Now add minced garlic and grated ginger into the mix. Stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do it! Trust me; your kitchen will smell like heaven right about now.

Pour in that luscious tomato puree next! Let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally until thickened—this typically takes around 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings lovingly to your wooden spoon.

Time to add those magical spices! Sprinkle garam masala, cumin, coriander, and sugar into your bubbling sauce. Stir everything together so those spices coat every nook and cranny of our tomato mixture—this is where the magic begins!

Finally, lower the heat and pour in your heavy cream along with those generous dollops of butter we’ve been dreaming about! Allow everything to simmer together for another 10 minutes or so until it’s perfectly thickened.

And voila! Your butter chicken is ready to be devoured! Serve over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread for an unforgettable dining experience.

Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful; enjoy each moment as you create something delicious! Remember: great meals are often born from love—and maybe a dash of humor too! Enjoy every bite of your homemade butter chicken masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to enhance flavor. Sear it in a hot pan before adding the sauce ingredients. This helps lock in juiciness while building layers of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this butter chicken recipe by using yogurt instead of cream for a tangy twist. You can also swap chicken for tofu or vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream for creaminess.

I remember the first time I made this butter chicken recipe for my family; they were so impressed they asked if I’d secretly joined a cooking school!

FAQ

What is the best way to marinate chicken for this butter chicken recipe?

Marinate the chicken at least one hour or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Can I substitute ingredients in the butter chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Yogurt can replace cream, and you can use paneer instead of chicken.

How do I make butter chicken less spicy?

Reduce chili powder and add more cream or yogurt to balance spice levels effectively.

Print

Butter Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy, buttery butter chicken recipe that envelops your palate in rich flavors and aromatic spices. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish is a beloved classic that pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Enjoy a taste of comfort food that brings warmth to any table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
5. Incorporate garam masala, cumin, coriander, and sugar; mix well.
6. Lower heat and add heavy cream and butter; simmer for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
7. Serve over rice or with naan.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 100mg