Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- ⅓ cplain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 clovegarlic
- 1 tbspfresh lemon juice
- 1 tbspgaram masala
- 1 tbspor finely chopped peeled ginger
- 2 tspkosher salt
- 1 tspKashmiri chili powder
- 2 lbboneless
skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
- 5 tbspunsalted butter
- ½ ctomato paste
- ½serrano chile
- 1 tspgaram masala
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1 tspKashmiri chili powder
- 1 cheavy cream
- 1 tbspfenugreek leaves or kasoori methi
- ½ tspkosher salt
- ¼ cfresh cilantro
- Cooked basmati rice or naan
for serving
Directions
Chicken
- 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
Heat broiler and line a large baking sheet with foil. Spread chicken on prepared sheet in a single layer. Broil, watching closely, until charred and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Makhani sauce & assembly
- 1
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.
- 2
Add garam masala, cumin, and chili powder and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and incorporated, about 30 seconds. Stir in cream, fenugreek (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, chicken, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce has slightly thickened and fat has separated, 10 to 15 minutes.
- 3
Taste and season with salt, if needed. Top with cilantro. Serve over rice.
Butter Chicken
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
The Ultimate Butter Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic
Nothing quite compares to the rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying flavors of Butter Chicken. This beloved Indian dinner is a true comfort food masterpiece, perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening or simply indulging in a fantastic meal any time of year. Our recipe brings you tender pieces of chicken swimming in a luscious, spiced tomato gravy that's bursting with aromatic spices.
What makes this Butter Chicken recipe truly special is the layers of flavor. We start by marinating boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a mixture of creamy yogurt, fresh ginger, garlic, and fragrant garam masala. This ensures every bite of chicken is incredibly tender and infused with flavor before it even hits the pan. The heart of the dish is the velvety gravy, created from sweet tomato paste, a hint of serrano chile for a gentle warmth, and a balanced blend of traditional Indian spices like cumin and Kashmiri chili powder. A generous swirl of heavy cream and unsalted butter makes it irresistibly rich, while a touch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) adds an authentic, slightly sweet, and earthy note that is characteristic of the best Butter Chicken.
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Perfection
This most popular chicken dinner is incredibly versatile. For an authentic experience, serve your homemade Butter Chicken piping hot alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible gravy. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceousness.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of serrano chile and Kashmiri chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper.
- Fenugreek Leaves: While optional, kasoori methi truly elevates the flavor, adding a layer of complexity that makes it taste like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant.
- Chicken Choice: We recommend chicken thighs for their juicy texture, but boneless, skinless chicken breast can also be used; just be careful not to overcook it.
Enjoy this truly satisfying and flavorful Butter Chicken—it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!