Butter Chicken is a classic North Indian dish that brings together tender chicken pieces in a creamy, savory sauce infused with fragrant spices. It’s a favorite for celebrations, cozy family meals, and special occasions. This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup yogurt
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1 teaspoon ginger paste
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1 teaspoon garlic paste
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, grated
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2 cups tomato purée
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½ teaspoon cumin powder
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½ teaspoon coriander powder
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½ teaspoon garam masala
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½ cup heavy cream
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Salt to taste
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A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Marinating the Chicken
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In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, and salt.
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Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2–3 hours.
Cooking the Chicken
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Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Cook the marinated chicken pieces until golden and almost fully done. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
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In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté onions until soft and translucent.
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Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato purée, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Let the sauce cook for 5–7 minutes until the oil separates from the sauce.
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Add the chicken pieces and any juices back into the sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
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Pour in the cream and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and rich.
Serving
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Storing
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce develops an even richer flavor the next day.
Butter Chicken is a timeless comfort dish — savory, creamy, and aromatic. Perfect for special occasions or a delicious family dinner.
