Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

6 - 8
This butter chicken recipe features tender chicken swimming in a rich spiced tomato gravy for a meal that’s deeply flavored and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 c. plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic

    grated or finely chopped, about 2 tsp.

  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. garam masala
  • 1 tbsp. grated or finely chopped peeled ginger
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. Kashmiri chili powder

    or 3/4 tsp. paprika plus 1/4 tsp. cayenne

  • 2 lb. boneless

    skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2" pieces

  • 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/2 c. tomato paste
  • 1/2 serrano chile

    seeded, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp. grated or finely chopped peeled ginger
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. Kashmiri chili powder

    or 3/4 tsp. paprika plus 1/4 tsp. cayenne

  • 1 c. heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. dried fenugreek leaves or kasoori methi

    optional

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

    or more

  • 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, garam masala, ginger, salt, and Kashmiri chili powder. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

  2. 2

    In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, about 5 minutes. Add chile and ginger and continue to cook, stirring, until fragrant and tomato paste is starting to stick to pan, about 1 minute more. 

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

5.0(20)120 min6 - 8

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 20 ratings

delish.com
5.0(20 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Longing for that creamy, deeply flavored butter chicken you adore from your favorite Indian restaurant? This recipe brings the authentic taste of tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato gravy right to your home kitchen, promising a deeply satisfying meal.

This butter chicken recipe is designed for maximum flavor and richness, featuring tender chicken enveloped in a velvety spiced tomato gravy. The generous use of butter and cream, alongside aromatic spices like garam masala and Kashmiri chili powder, creates a truly satisfying and memorable dish that feels both comforting and exotic.

Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll enjoy fall-apart tender chicken pieces swimming in a vibrant, slightly sweet, and tangy gravy that boasts a beautiful reddish-orange hue. The aroma of ginger, garlic, and fenugreek will fill your kitchen, promising a deeply satisfying meal. While the total preparation and cooking time spans around two hours, much of it is hands-off, allowing the complex flavors to meld and develop into something extraordinary.

While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are specified for their tender texture, you can experiment with chicken breast if preferred, though it may require slight adjustments to cooking time to prevent dryness. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting paneer or extra-firm tofu. If you don't have Kashmiri chili powder, a blend of paprika and a touch of cayenne offers a good alternative for color and heat. The serrano chile can be adjusted or omitted based on your preferred spice level, and dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) are optional but highly recommended for an authentic layer of earthy fragrance.

This rich butter chicken is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends. Serve it alongside warm basmati rice to soak up every drop of that incredible gravy, or with fluffy naan bread for an irresistible pairing.

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