Deliciously Easy Butter Chicken

$- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons ground coriander - 2 teaspoons turmeric powder - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt to taste - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a rich and creamy sauce for this butter chicken. The chicken thighs add tenderness, while the yogurt and lemon juice help to marinate and flavor the meat. The spices bring warmth and depth, making every bite delicious. The butter and cream create a smooth texture, while the cilantro adds a fresh touch. You can adjust the spices to match your taste, too! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. This mix packs in a lot of flavor. Cut 2 lbs of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade and stir well to coat. It’s best to let this sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight. Marinating is important because it makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Next, we will cook the base. Take a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook it until it is golden brown, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the onion adds depth to the dish. After that, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch minced ginger. Cook for another minute. The aroma will be amazing! Now it's time to combine everything. Add the marinated chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, which will take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once browned, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. Lastly, reduce the heat to low, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken, and the chicken will be fully cooked. You can adjust the seasoning with extra salt if needed. For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight. This extra time helps all the flavors blend well. You can also adjust the spices. If you like more heat, add extra chili powder. For a milder taste, cut back on the spices. To ensure tender chicken, cook it over medium heat. This way, it cooks evenly without becoming dry. Stir the chicken often to brown it on all sides. For the sauce, control the consistency by simmering it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or cream. If it's too thin, let it cook a bit longer. Butter chicken pairs well with basmati rice or naan. Serve it in a bowl with the rice on the side. This makes it easy to scoop up with naan. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. You can also add a lemon wedge for a burst of freshness when eating. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. Butter for Richness: Use high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the richness of the sauce and balance the spices. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference; you can also add fresh chilies for extra heat. Serving Suggestions: Serve the butter chicken with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice, and a side of cucumber raita to complement the flavors. {{image_2}} Yogurt Substitute Options If you want a lighter dish, you can swap yogurt for low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt. Both options keep the tangy flavor but cut some fat. You can also try using buttermilk, which adds a nice zing to the chicken. Lightening the Recipe To make this dish healthier, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This change gives a creamy texture with fewer calories. You can also reduce the butter amount to two tablespoons. Adding Different Spices Feel free to mix in spices from your favorite region. You can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or add cinnamon for warmth. Each spice changes the dish's aroma and taste, making it unique. Using Alternative Proteins Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet flavor. Tofu, on the other hand, absorbs the sauce well and makes the dish vegetarian-friendly. Butter Chicken with Vegetables Add your favorite veggies to the dish. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach work well and add color. You can sauté them alongside the onions for added flavor. Butter Chicken Curry For a curry-style dish, increase the amount of crushed tomatoes and cream. This creates a richer sauce. Serve it in a bowl with rice, and enjoy every bite. To keep your butter chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps to keep it safe and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, toss it. You can freeze butter chicken for a quick meal later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. Butter chicken can last in the freezer for about three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm it gently on the stove or microwave. Stir well to make sure it heats evenly. If you have leftover butter chicken, you're in luck! You can use it in many ways. Serve it over rice or mix it with pasta for a new dish. You can also turn it into a delicious sandwich. Just add some greens and your favorite bread. For another idea, make a creamy butter chicken soup by adding broth and veggies. The options are endless! Making Easy Butter Chicken takes about one hour. You need 30 minutes for prep and marinating. Cooking time is around 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the flavors. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner but can dry out faster. If you use chicken breast, cook it carefully to keep it juicy. Thighs are more forgiving and stay tender. You can use coconut milk or half-and-half. These options give a creamy texture. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Easy Butter Chicken is mild to medium spicy. The chili powder adds some heat, but it’s not overwhelming. Adjust the chili powder to make it milder or spicier. Enjoy it with rice or naan for balance! To wrap up, we explored the easy path to preparing Butter Chicken. We covered essential ingredients, marinating tips, and cooking steps for that perfect flavor. Remember to try different spices and base while keeping cooking techniques in mind. Don’t forget to think about healthy options and creative ways to use leftovers. Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that you can personalize. Now, get cooking and enjoy this delicious dish!$

Deliciously Easy Butter Chicken

A flavorful and creamy butter chicken dish that's easy to prepare.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a large bowl, marinate the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with basmati rice or naan, and garnish with cilantro and lemon.

Keyword butter chicken, chicken recipe, Indian cuisine