INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN
Indian Butter Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of India right to your kitchen. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s both flavorful and mild, making it perfect for everyone. This dish is simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread. With its mouthwatering aroma and savory taste, easy Indian Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
WHAT IS BUTTER CHICKEN
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular and delicious Indian dish that features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. You typically marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cook it until it’s juicy and flavorful. The sauce, made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and a blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, is smooth and mildly spiced, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.
Serve this comforting dish with rice or naan bread to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. People love Butter Chicken for its balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a favorite in Indian cuisine and enjoyed worldwide.
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA VS. BUTTER CHICKEN
Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are two beloved Indian dishes that, while similar in some ways, have distinct differences in flavor and preparation:
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani):
- Origin: Originated in Delhi, India.
- Flavor: Rich, creamy, and mildly spiced with a slight sweetness.
- Sauce: Made with a buttery, tomato-based sauce that includes cream and a blend of mild spices.
- Preparation: You marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook it in a tandoor (traditional clay oven) or on the stovetop. Then, you simmer the cooked chicken in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Texture: The sauce is smooth and velvety due to the use of butter and cream.
Chicken Tikka Masala:
- Origin: Indian chefs in the UK are believed to have created it.
- Flavor: Spicier and more robust compared to Butter Chicken.
- Sauce: Also tomato-based but typically includes a more complex spice mix, often with the addition of onion, garlic, and ginger, and sometimes yogurt or cream.
- Preparation: You marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook it in a tandoor or on the stovetop until slightly charred. Then, you add the cooked chicken to the spicy, tangy tomato sauce.
- Texture: The sauce can be chunkier with more pronounced spices, and it may have a slightly thicker consistency compared to Butter Chicken.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
- Chicken Breasts
- Unsalted Butter
- Garam Masala
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Ground Coriander
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Greek Yogurt
- Tomato puree
- Sugar
- Heavy Cream
- Chopped fresh Cilantro
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
To see more recipes and behind-the-scenes, follow along on Youtube,Instagram&Tiktok!
INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken breast
- 1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic or garlic powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, add in the chicken breasts and season with all the spices and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
- In a pan, add in 1 tbsp of butter and then add the chicken, more ginger and garlic. Cook until golden. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add in some more butter, tomato puree, more spices, sugar, heavy cream and some more butter.
- Add in the chicken again and mix well.
- Top with some fresh parsley and serve with basmati rice or garlic naan.