Basic Butter Chicken Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Basic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

This basic butter chicken recipe delivers a rich and creamy Indian classic without the fuss. Perfect for beginners, this guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. We'll focus on using readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making this a truly accessible recipe for home cooks. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.

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 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 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
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken (Prepare Ahead):

1. Combine marinade ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). You can also bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes for a less hands-on approach. Set aside.

Making the Butter Chicken Sauce:

1. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Blend the sauce (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return to the skillet.
4. Stir in cream and butter: Add the heavy cream and butter to the sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
5. Add chicken and simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Gently stir to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Season to taste: Adjust salt as needed.

Serving Your Delicious Butter Chicken:

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:

• Don't skip the marinating step: Marinating the chicken is crucial for tender and flavorful results.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking.
• Use good quality spices: Freshly ground spices will significantly enhance the flavor of your butter chicken.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
• Serve immediately: Butter chicken is best served fresh.

Enjoy your homemade butter chicken! This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique version. Remember to share your culinary creations with friends and family – happy cooking!