🧈🇮🇳 Indian-Style Butter Chicken
One of my favorite dish
👩🏻🍳Home recipes
Servings: 4
🐔 Ingredients
🔸For the Chicken Marinade:
• 500g boneless chicken (thigh preferred), cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup thick plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
🔸For the Gravy:
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, pureed
• 10–12 cashew nuts (soaked in hot water, then blended into a paste)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh cream (or cooking cream)
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
• 1–2 tbsp butter (to finish)
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
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🍳 Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
• Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
• Add chicken, coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
2. Cook the Chicken:
• Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken in 1 tbsp oil on high heat until lightly charred and cooked through.
• Set aside.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
• In a pan, heat 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil.
• Sauté onions until soft and golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
• Add pureed tomatoes and cook on medium heat until oil separates.
• Add chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Cook 2 minutes.
• Add cashew paste and cook for 3–4 mins on low flame.
4. Blend for Smooth Gravy (Optional but Traditional):
• Let the masala cool slightly, then blend until smooth and creamy.
• Return to the pan, add a splash of water if too thick.
5. Finish the Dish:
• Add the cooked chicken to the gravy.
• Add cream, crushed kasuri methi, and extra butter.
• Simmer on low heat for 5–8 minutes until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
6. Serve:
• Garnish with fresh coriander.
• Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Butter chicken, a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, embodies a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This classic meal features tender chicken marinated in a mix of spices and yogurt, creating a rich base for the gravy. The use of Kashmiri chili powder provides vibrant color and a moderate spice level, while the addition of cream and cashew nut paste ensures a luxurious, creamy finish. Cooking this dish at home is remarkably simple, making it an excellent choice for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal during the week. Pairing it with sides like garlic naan or basmati rice complements the flavors beautifully and makes it a complete meal. For those seeking variations, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables to the gravy or swapping chicken for paneer for a vegetarian twist. This recipe not only showcases Indian culinary traditions but also invites creativity in the kitchen, making it a favorite among home cooks looking to explore rich and diverse flavors.
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