If you have ever wished for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a comforting warmth, Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. This vibrant curry brings together tender chicken bathed in an aromatic, buttery tomato sauce that feels like a big hug on a plate. Whether you are a novice in Indian cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe simplifies all the complex steps without sacrificing any of the magic, making it a beloved staple for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a spectacular Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe lies in the harmonious blend of simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays its part — from the spices that build layers of flavor, to the butter and cream that create that silky texture you crave.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness and tenderness that hold up beautifully in the sauce.
- 1 cup plain yogurt: Acts as a marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and infusing subtle tanginess.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds brightness and depth to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste: Imparts warmth and an earthy fragrance essential to Indian flavors.
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste: Brings pungency and enhances the savory character.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: The quintessential Indian spice mix delivering aromatic complexity.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder: Offers a golden color and subtle earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Brings mild heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder: Adds a nutty, slightly peppery accent.
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder: Contributes citrusy undertones for brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces mild spice and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onions and spices effectively.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Builds the flavor base with sweetness and texture.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Drives the sauce’s rich tomato foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the luscious, creamy finish that’s signature to butter chicken.
- 1/2 cup butter: Elevates the dish’s richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a touch of spicy heat for contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds color and a burst of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a big bowl. Mix in plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger and garlic pastes, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything so each piece gets a flavorful coat. The marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with layers of warming spice. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, let it chill overnight to soak in all those flavors fully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for about 25-30 minutes until they’re cooked through and have a lightly browned crust. If you prefer stovetop cooking, sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat in batches, ensuring you get a nice caramelization on every side while avoiding overcrowding. Cooking the chicken first helps seal in those juices before it joins the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it soften and turn golden—this provides a sweet, flavorful backbone. Add more ginger and garlic pastes to infuse that classic aromatic base. After a brief sauté, stir in tomato paste and cook it out for a minute or two to deepen the tomato flavor. Then pour in the diced tomatoes along with garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all the spices blend into the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Butter
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and butter, which transforms the tomato mixture into a luxuriously silky sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly and adjust seasonings to your taste. Now carefully add your cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring to coat every piece generously with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up all that rich flavor before you move on to the final presentation.
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish to brighten your dish—a scattering of freshly chopped cilantro adds a lovely splash of green and a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy, spicy curry perfectly.
Side Dishes
Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe shines brightest when paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. These sides soak up the luscious sauce so you don’t waste a single drop. You can also serve it alongside roti or cucumber raita for a cooling counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a feast-worthy presentation, serve the butter chicken in a rustic bowl on a wooden tray with small dishes of pickled onions, mango chutney, or spiced roasted vegetables on the side. Layering textures and colors elevates the experience and invites conversation around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken is a wonderful treat for the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay flavorful and tender for up to 3 days. The spices and cream meld even more beautifully after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe if you want to save it longer. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge so it reheats evenly without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving works as well, but be sure to cover it and stir midway to maintain creaminess without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, avoid overcooking and consider marinating for longer to help tenderize.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe has a mild to medium heat level that is easily adjustable. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chili and cayenne powders. For an extra kick, feel free to add more!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute to accommodate lactose intolerance or dietary preferences without sacrificing creaminess.
What’s the best way to serve butter chicken to guests?
Serve it family-style with plenty of warm naan or rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Add a side of cooling raita or pickled vegetables to balance the richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that encourages sharing and conversation.
How important is marinating the chicken?
Marinating is key to developing flavor and tenderness in your chicken. The yogurt tenderizes, while the spices penetrate deeply. For best results, marinate at least 4 hours but overnight is ideal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering the art of Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated with a vibrant blend of spices and creamy textures that welcome you with every bite. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to share with friends and family over and over again. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with Indian cooking all over again!
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Easy Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Indian Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe offers a delicious, creamy Indian classic that’s simple to make at home. Tender marinated chicken thighs are baked or pan-cooked, then simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro garnish, this comfort food is great for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate the Chicken: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Oven or Prepare Skillet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat for stovetop cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: If baking, spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked and slightly browned. If using a skillet, cook chicken in batches without crowding, about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Set Cooked Chicken Aside: Remove chicken from oven or skillet and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in ginger paste and garlic paste, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, then add garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Lower heat, cover, and let sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Cream and Butter: Stir in heavy cream and butter, then continue to simmer for 5 minutes to thicken sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Simmer for another 5 minutes so chicken absorbs sauce flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve hot alongside basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Butter chicken is traditionally creamy, but you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor will differ.
- Cooking chicken in a skillet develops a nice char that adds depth, but baking is a convenient hands-off option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
