Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is one of the most beloved and popular Indian dishes in the US.
While the name “Butter Chicken” might imply that butter is the primary source of richness in the dish, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, the velvety texture of the dish is achieved by adding heavy cream to the sauce.
The use of cream or sometimes coconut milk gives the sauce a luscious consistency. This combination of dairy and fat (vegetable oil) creates a decadent and indulgent dish that has come to be known as Butter Chicken.
One of the defining features of Butter Chicken is the tender and juicy pieces of chicken that are cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce. This sauce is typically seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, such as garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. These spices enrich the chicken with a depth of flavor and complexity, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and aromas.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its approachable and familiar flavor profile, which appeals to a wide range of palates. The dish presents beautifully, with its vibrant orange sauce and succulent pieces of chicken. It makes a great option for both casual and special occasion meals.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Indian Butter Chicken is its ease of preparation. While it requires a few simple steps, the end result is a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress. Many home cooks enjoy making it, and it's a staple on the menus of Indian restaurants across the US. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, Indian Butter Chicken is definitely worth trying!
Here are some more Indian recipes: Aloo Gobi Indian Chicken Curry Green Split Pea Soup Indian Style
Servings: 6 yield(s)
Cook Time: 25 mins
Ingredients
    Meat Marinade
  • 1 cup full fat yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (One lemon.)
  • 3 tsp garam masala (Indian spice, available in supermarkets.)
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • 3-4 cloves garlic (Crushed.)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (Optional.)
  • 2 1/2 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1inch size (It could be 1lb thighs and 1lb breast meat mixed.)
  • Curry
  • 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cream or half and half
  • 1 tbsp non GMO corn starch (Optional. Use only if the sauce is too thin. See note below.)
  • To Serve
  • rice
  • chopped cilantro
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl combine marinade ingredients. Add meat and stir well coating all the pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but no shorter than one hour.
  2. In a large frying pan, heat the oil. Add chicken coated with marinade. Cook for about 5 min. or until all the meat is white (cooked through). Add tomato sauce, sugar and salt. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15min. Add cream (or half and half) and stir well. Remove from the heat. Serve with rice, garnished with cilantro.
Recipe Notes

The sauce might come out a little thin. If this is the case, take 1 tbsp. of corn starch and dissolve it in about 1/4 cup of cold water. Add to your dish at the end of cooking and bring the sauce to a boil. You will notice it getting thicker when it starts to boil. Turn of the heat and serve. All the spices can be easily find online: Garam Masala Turmeric Red Chili Powder Cumin