Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that features tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The dish is not only loved within the Indian community but also has become famous all over the world. If you are a fan of Indian food and butter chicken is your favorite dish, then learning how to make it at home can save you money and enable you to enjoy it anytime you want. Making butter chicken can seem complicated, but with the right ingredients and simple steps, you can easily cook it at home.

To start making butter chicken, you will need to marinate the chicken in a delicious blend of yogurt and spices. The marination process allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it juicy and tender. The sauce, which is made from tomatoes, cream, and a range of spices, is then cooked separately and simmered with the chicken to create a mouth-watering dish. If you are ready to learn how to make the perfect butter chicken, then this article will guide you through the steps to achieve a restaurant-quality taste at home.

Making Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you are probably familiar with the iconic dish, butter chicken. This creamy, savory, and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner. Butter chicken can be enjoyed with rice or naan, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

If you’ve always wanted to know how to make butter chicken at home, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish. From the ingredients you’ll need to the cooking process, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make butter chicken:

1. Chicken: You’ll need about 1 kg of boneless chicken for this recipe.

2. Yogurt: You’ll need about 1 cup of yogurt.

3. Spices: You’ll need a mix of spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.

4. Butter: As the name suggests, butter is a crucial ingredient in this recipe. You’ll need about ½ cup of unsalted butter.

5. Tomatoes: You’ll need about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes.

6. Cream: You’ll need about 1 cup of heavy cream.

7. Garlic and ginger paste: You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of garlic paste and 1 tablespoon of ginger paste.

8. Salt: You’ll need salt to taste.

9. Sugar: You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of sugar.

10. Fresh coriander leaves: You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of fresh coriander leaves.

Marinating the Chicken

The first step in making butter chicken is to marinate the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and full of flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, and spices.

2. Add the chicken to the bowl and mix it well with the marinade.

3. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and leave it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has been marinated, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

2. Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also grill the chicken on a barbecue if you prefer.

3. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside.

Preparing the Gravy

The next step is to prepare the gravy. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the garlic and ginger paste to the pan and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

5. Once the mixture has cooled down, blend it in a blender until it’s smooth.

6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any chunks.

7. Pour the mixture back into the pan and add the cream and sugar.

8. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

9. Add the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.

Conclusion

Making butter chicken at home may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a taste of India, give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

When it comes to cooking scrumptious butter chicken, the ingredients you use play a critical role in determining the dish’s flavour and overall appeal. Choosing the right spices and herbs is essential to bring out the dish’s authentic Indian taste. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Chicken- 500g
2. Yogurt- 1 cup
3. Tomato puree- 1 cup
4. Heavy Cream- 1 cup
5. Butter- 2 tbsp
6. Garlic- 1 tbsp, finely chopped
7. Ginger- 1 tbsp, finely chopped
8. Garam Masala- 1 tbsp
9. Cumin powder- 1 tsp
10. Coriander powder- 1 tsp

To make the process seamless, it’s advisable to have all the ingredients ready before starting. Chicken is the main ingredient in butter chicken, and it’s essential to use fresh chicken pieces that are boneless, cut to the desired size, and rinsed thoroughly. Similarly, to get creamy, delicious gravy, you’ll need fresh tomato puree and yogurt, which should be thick and without lumps.

As for garlic and ginger, use freshly chopped ingredients for maximum flavour. Garam masala, cumin, and coriander make up the spice mix, and it’s crucial to use the right amount to get the desired taste. Lastly, use unsalted butter and heavy cream to give the dish its creamy texture and to balance out the spice mix.

In conclusion, having high-quality ingredients will ensure that your butter chicken is as delicious as the one served in restaurants. So, make sure to buy fresh and authentic ingredients from your local grocery store or online, if needed.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine and can be made by following a few simple steps. The first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need the following:

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breast 500 grams
Yogurt 1 cup
Tomatoes 3 medium-sized
Ginger 1 inch, chopped
Garlic 4 cloves, chopped
Green chili 2, chopped
Butter or ghee 4 tablespoons
Heavy cream 1 cup
Coriander leaves For garnishing

Marinating the chicken

The first step in making butter chicken is to marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mix them with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. The yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken and also adds a tangy flavor.

Preparing the sauce

Next, you need to prepare the sauce. To do this, heat butter or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chili and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Let the mixture cool down and then blitz it in a blender to make a smooth puree.

In the same pan, heat some more butter or ghee and add the tomato puree. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. Add some heavy cream to the sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Cooking the chicken

Now, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken pieces on the tray and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also grill the chicken if you prefer.

Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the tomato sauce and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is heated through. Check for seasoning and add more salt or sugar if required.

Serving and garnishing

Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan bread or rice. Garnish the dish with some fresh coriander leaves and serve hot. Your delicious butter chicken is now ready to be savored!

Enjoy Your Delicious Butter Chicken

Thanks for reading about how to make butter chicken! We hope you had fun cooking your own dish and enjoyed the mouthwatering flavors. Butter chicken is a classic, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to visit us again for more amazing recipes and cooking tips that will make your kitchen feel lifelike. Have a great day ahead!