(Not) Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 2chicken breasts
- 3 tbspbutter
- 3garlic
whole cloves
- 1 medonion
- 1 inchfresh ginger
- 1 tbspgaram masala
- ¼ tspcayenne pepper
- 115 oz. can tomato sauce
- 115 oz. can diced tomatoes
- ½ cplain yogurt
Directions
- 1
Trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into small chunks. Set chicken aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic and ginger.
- 2
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium/high heat. When the butter is nice and hot (careful not to burn it) add the chicken chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. It’s okay if it isn’t cooked through because it will simmer in the sauce later.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions, garlic and ginger. Saute the mix for 2-3 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the garam masala and cayenne pepper. Continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
- 4
Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Add the chicken back in, place a lid on top and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for one hour or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 5
After the chicken and tomato mixture has simmered, break the chicken into smaller pieces if desired (the chicken should be soft and easily broken apart). Stir in the plain yogurt. Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of rice. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
(Not) Butter Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of butter chicken but looking for a lighter touch? This (Not) Butter Chicken recipe delivers all the warm spice you love with a mindful approach to richness that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
The genius of this recipe lies in how it builds deep, complex flavor through a generous foundation of aromatic ingredients. Fresh garlic, onion, and ginger create a robust base, while the potent blend of garam masala and cayenne pepper infuses the dish with its signature warmth and a gentle kick. This ensures every bite is intensely satisfying, with just a thoughtful whisper of butter and the creamy tang of yogurt to provide that essential rich body.
When you sit down to a bowl of this (Not) Butter Chicken, prepare for a comforting experience. You'll find tender, succulent chicken pieces bathed in a rich, velvety tomato sauce that boasts a beautiful reddish-orange hue. The sauce itself is a harmonious blend of sweet tomato, warming spices, and a subtle tang from the yogurt, creating a truly layered flavor profile. Despite its indulgent taste, it feels refreshingly balanced, leaving you satisfied without feeling heavy. It's an approachable dish that delivers on authentic flavors.
This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch. While chicken breasts are specified, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for even more succulence, or embrace a vegetarian approach by adding chickpeas or pan-fried paneer instead. If you prefer a milder heat, simply reduce the cayenne pepper, or if you crave more warmth, add a touch extra. For a dairy-free alternative to plain yogurt, a swirl of full-fat coconut milk can lend a similar creamy texture and richness, albeit with a different flavor profile.
This flavorful (Not) Butter Chicken is ideal for a satisfying family dinner. Serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce, or with warm naan bread for scooping.