Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe

Mak Erot

4 min read

·

Apr 09, 2025

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Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Taste of India in Your Kitchen

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to India? This authentic butter chicken recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India's vibrant food scene. Forget those bland, generic versions; this recipe focuses on rich, aromatic flavors and tender, succulent chicken. Let's get started!

What Makes This Recipe Authentic?

This recipe isn't just another butter chicken recipe; it's a journey into the soul of Indian cuisine. We're diving deep into the traditional techniques and flavor profiles that make this dish so iconic. Here's what sets it apart:

• Homemade Masala: We're not relying on pre-made spice blends. We'll create our own unique masala, ensuring a depth of flavor you won't find anywhere else. This blend of freshly ground spices is the cornerstone of authentic butter chicken.

• Marination Magic: Proper marination is key to achieving incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. We'll use yogurt, lemon juice, and our homemade masala to create a marinade that infuses the chicken with rich, complex notes.

• The Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: This is where the magic happens. We'll use a combination of techniques to create a sauce that is both rich and creamy, yet still light and fragrant. We'll avoid shortcuts and focus on building layers of flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated thoroughly.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Add the garam masala, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Season with salt to taste.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Serve hot with naan bread or basmati rice.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken:

• Don't rush the marination: The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will make a world of difference in the flavor of your butter chicken.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.

This authentic butter chicken recipe is a testament to the magic of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the incredible flavors and share this delicious dish with your loved ones! Let us know in the comments how your butter chicken turned out!