Indian Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your table. With its creamy and spiced tomato-based sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The tender chicken simmered in aromatic spices creates a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. Serve it alongside rice or naan for a complete experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices like garam masala and chili powder adds depth and warmth to each bite.
- Comforting Dish: The creamy texture of the sauce makes it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.
- Quick Preparation: With only 40 minutes from prep to table, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect with either rice or naan, making it adaptable to your dining preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A hit among both adults and kids, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your family’s menu.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Indian Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or pan: Provides ample space for sautéing ingredients evenly and allows the chicken to brown properly.
- Cutting board: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and meat.
- Measuring spoons: Guarantees accurate spice measurements for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for making Indian Butter Chicken:
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (small diced)
- 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into ¾-inch chunks)
For the Base
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 3 ounces red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
For Serving
- Rice or naan for serving
- Cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make Indian Butter Chicken
Step 1: Heat the Base
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
- Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast Spices
- Add garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder.
- Stir well to toast the spices for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add chicken chunks to the pan, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in tomato paste and red curry paste; let cook for 2–3 minutes until combined.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour in coconut milk; stir well.
- Bring to a simmer; let cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Step 7: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your homemade Indian Butter Chicken!
How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken
Indian Butter Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Rice
- Basmati Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, basmati rice pairs perfectly with the rich sauce of Indian Butter Chicken.
- Jeera Rice: Cooked with cumin seeds, jeera rice adds an additional layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
With Naan
- Garlic Naan: This soft bread infused with garlic allows you to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Butter Naan: A classic choice, butter naan is soft and indulgent, perfect for soaking up the creamy flavors.
With Salad
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based salad balances the spiciness of the curry and refreshes your palate.
- Kachumber Salad: A mix of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions marinated in lemon juice adds a crisp texture to your meal.
How to Perfect Indian Butter Chicken
To create the ultimate Indian Butter Chicken, follow these essential tips for a delicious result every time.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-ground options.
- Sauté onions until golden: Properly caramelized onions add depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Adjust spice levels: Modify the chili powder according to your heat preference while maintaining balance with other flavors.
- Simmer for richness: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps meld all ingredients together for a richer taste.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro or a swirl of coconut milk adds visual appeal and freshness when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Indian Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Indian Butter Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like broccoli and carrots provides a healthy contrast.
- Chickpea Salad: This protein-packed salad offers a nutty flavor that harmonizes well with butter chicken.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices bring a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy chicken.
- Paneer Tikka: Grilled paneer cubes marinated in spices provide a delicious vegetarian option that aligns well with traditional flavors.
- Curried Lentils: Rich in protein and fiber, lentils cooked in mild spices add heartiness to your meal.
- Masala Poppadoms: These crispy snacks are perfect for munching between bites of butter chicken, adding texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Indian Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the spice toasting: Not toasting your spices can result in a flat flavor. Always toast them for a deeper aroma.
- Using low-quality chicken: Low-quality chicken can lead to a tough texture. Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
- Not simmering long enough: Rushing the cooking process prevents the flavors from developing. Allow the dish to simmer properly for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your dish before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for the best flavor.
- Forgetting the garnish: Skipping cilantro or other garnishes can make the dish look less appealing. Always add fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Indian Butter Chicken
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Indian Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Indian Butter Chicken that may help you while preparing this delightful dish.
What is Indian Butter Chicken?
Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy and spiced dish made with tender chicken chunks simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
How do I make Indian Butter Chicken less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less chili powder and consider adding more coconut milk for creaminess without extra spice.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! You can use turkey or even lamb as an alternative protein while keeping the cooking method the same.
What can I serve with Indian Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice or naan bread, which helps soak up the delicious sauce.
How long does it take to prepare Indian Butter Chicken?
The total time is approximately 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick yet satisfying meal option.
Final Thoughts
Indian Butter Chicken is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or experimenting with different proteins. This comforting dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, so give it a try!
Indian Butter Chicken
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Indian Butter Chicken, a beloved dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your dining table. This delightful recipe features tender chicken simmered in a luxurious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like garam masala and ginger. With its velvety texture and robust flavor profile, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an unforgettable meal that will impress everyone.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into chunks)
- 14 ounces coconut milk
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- Rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Toast spices (garam masala, chili powder) in the pan for a couple of minutes.
- Add chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
- Combine with tomato paste and coconut milk; season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider using full-fat coconut milk. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of chili powder according to your preference. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer.