Classic Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Indian cuisine with its rich, creamy texture and vibrant, aromatic flavors. It’s a favorite in many households and a wonderful way to introduce newcomers to Indian cooking. Today, I’m excited to share with you a traditional recipe for Classic Butter Chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Marinade:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
• Garnish: Fresh cilantro, chopped
• For serving: Cooked rice or naan

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Onions: Heat the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
4. Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, and cook until each piece is nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish with Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pan and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish as a garnish. Serve your Butter Chicken hot alongside cooked rice or warm naan for a satisfying meal.

Nutritional Info

• Calories: Approximately 380 per serving (not including rice or naan).
• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including marination time).
• Cook Time: 35 minutes.
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Servings: Serves 4.

Butter Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible dish that stands out at any dining table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight meal special, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary journey through the heart of Indian cuisine!

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