Pin it
My favorite Butter Chicken recipe brings restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. This iconic Indian dish wraps tender chicken in a velvety tomato sauce kissed with warm spices. I learned this version from my grandmother and have tweaked it over years of Sunday family dinners.
The Story Behind My Version
After countless attempts to recreate that perfect butter chicken from my favorite restaurant I finally cracked the code. The secret lies in marinating the chicken overnight and slowly simmering the sauce until it turns silky smooth. Every time I make this my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma.
What Goes In The Pot
- Chicken Thighs: Two pounds of juicy thighs work best here.
- Butter: Three generous tablespoons for that signature richness.
- Aromatics: Fresh onion garlic and ginger create our flavor base.
- Spice Blend: My perfect mix includes cumin garam masala coriander chili powder turmeric and a whole cinnamon stick.
- Tomatoes: Fourteen ounces of crushed tomatoes for a luscious sauce.
- Cream: One cup transforms everything into silk.
- Yogurt: One cup for the marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons brighten all the flavors.
- Chicken Broth: For the perfect sauce consistency.
- Sugar: Just a touch balances everything beautifully.
Let's Cook Together
- Marinate Your Chicken
- Mix chicken with yogurt lemon juice and garam masala. Let it rest overnight for the tastiest results.
- Getting Started
- Sear that marinated chicken until golden then set aside.
- Build the Flavors
- Melt butter and cook onions garlic ginger and spices until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Create the Sauce
- Pour in broth tomatoes and sugar. Let chicken simmer in this gorgeous sauce for 10 minutes.
- Final Touch
- Stir cream in gently and cook another 5 minutes. Fish out the cinnamon stick before serving.
Serving Up Success
Spoon this over fluffy basmati rice or scoop it up with warm naan. Fresh cilantro on top makes everything pop. Leftovers taste even better next day just keep them covered in the fridge and warm up slowly with a splash of cream.
Kitchen Wisdom
Overnight marinating makes such a difference. Play with the chili powder until you find your perfect heat level. For that authentic touch grab some kasuri methi from your local Indian store. Take your time with the sauce good things come to those who wait.
Pro Kitchen Secrets
I learned from watching countless cooking shows that fresh tomatoes really do make the sauce sing. A tiny pinch of sugar works magic with tomato acidity. The real secret though? Patience. Let those flavors develop slowly.
Why This Recipe Works
Your first bite tells the whole story tender chicken wrapped in that incredible sauce. It looks fancy but comes together so easily. My guests always think I spent hours in the kitchen but I just let the ingredients do their magic.
Switch It Up
Some nights I use chicken breast to keep things lighter. Adding bell peppers or spinach turns it into a complete meal. My kids prefer it mild but my husband loves extra chili powder. That's the beauty of cooking at home you make it yours.
Pin it
Perfect Partners
Nothing beats fluffy basmati rice soaking up this sauce. I always make extra naan for cleaning the plate. A simple cucumber raita keeps everything fresh and balanced. Want to make it special? Open a bottle of crisp white wine.
Watch Out For
Keep an eye on that chicken we want it juicy not tough. Add cream slowly while stirring to keep everything smooth. Fresh spices make such a difference old ones just sit in the cabinet losing flavor.
Smart Prep
I usually prep everything the night before. The chicken marinates the sauce ingredients get measured and chopped. When dinner time comes everything flows smoothly from pan to plate.
Pure Comfort
This dish just makes people happy. Maybe it's the warm spices or that creamy sauce but everyone relaxes around a bowl of butter chicken. It's my go to recipe when I want to show someone I care.
Good For You Too
You're getting protein from the chicken calcium from cream plus all those warming spices have their own benefits. Fresh herbs add extra nutrients. It's rich sure but totally worth every bite.
Worth The Effort
When friends come over this is my secret weapon. The colors the aroma and that first creamy bite never fail to impress. Best part? While they think I spent all day cooking I know just how simple it really is.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness. The yogurt helps tenderize the meat while the spices infuse deeply.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay more tender and juicy. If using breasts, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming dry.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream makes a good dairy-free alternative. While the flavor will be slightly different, it maintains the sauce's rich, creamy texture.
- → Why add sugar to the sauce?
Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a richer sauce. It's a small amount that enhances rather than sweetens the dish.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves the next day as spices develop. Reheat gently to prevent sauce from separating.
Conclusion
This homemade butter chicken combines marinated chicken thighs with a rich tomato cream sauce and warm Indian spices. The result is tender meat in a velvety sauce that rivals any restaurant version.