Simple Butter Chicken Recipe | Easy to Make at Home

Learn how to make the Best Butter Chicken at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Tender chicken in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce - this dish is sure to impress!

Simple Butter Chicken

History and Origins 

Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish that has become popular all over the world. It was created in the 1950s by the owner of a restaurant in Delhi, who came up with the recipe as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken. The dish quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple in Indian cuisine. Today, Butter Chicken is enjoyed by people of all cultures and backgrounds, and is often served at Indian restaurants and made at home.

Key Ingredients

To make Butter Chicken, you will require the following ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
The key ingredients in this recipe are the yogurt, which helps tenderize the chicken, and the garam masala, which is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cooking.

Preparation

Cut the chicken into small pieces and place in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander.
Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the yogurt mixture over it, stirring well to ensure even coating. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or leave it overnight for best results.

Cooking

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
About 5 minutes after adding the chopped onion, it should be soft and transparent.

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato puree to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer the chicken in the tomato puree for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream after adding it to the skillet. Cook for a further five minutes, or until the sauce is the desired consistency.
Add pepper and salt to taste.

Sauce

To make the sauce for Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
In a  pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic pastes and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant.
Stir the tomato puree into the pan after adding it..
Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
Stir the heavy cream into the pan after adding it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add it to the cooked chicken and stir to combine.

Tips for adjusting the 

flavor of the sauce:

If the sauce is too spicy, add more cream to mellow out the heat.
If the sauce is too mild, add more garam masala or chili powder to kick up the flavor.
For a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar or honey.

Serving

Butter Chicken is traditionally served with rice or naan bread. Here are some tips for serving and presenting the dish:
Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan bread for a complete meal.
Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
Serve in individual bowls or plates for a visually appealing presentation.
Make extra sauce and rice to have leftovers for the next day's lunch or dinner.

Nutrition of Butter Chicken.

Butter chicken is a dish made with chicken, tomato-based sauce, butter, cream, and spices. It is a good source of protein, vitamins B6 and B12, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. However, it is also high in saturated fat and calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How can be Butter Chicken

healthier by modify ?

To make butter chicken healthier, you can use leaner cuts of chicken, replace butter and cream with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or almond milk, and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also add more vegetables and reduce the amount of salt by using herbs and spices to add flavor instead.

Common mistakes to avoid

when making Butter Chicken

To avoid common mistakes when making butter chicken, don't overcook the chicken, use butter and cream in moderation or consider low-fat alternatives, marinate the chicken, use fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that has become a favorite all around the world. With its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, it's no surprise that it's a go-to dish for many. Making it at home can seem daunting, but with this recipe and some tips and tricks, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, Butter Chicken is sure to be a hit.

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