Description
Silky butter chicken brings Mumbai’s rich culinary magic to kitchens worldwide, delivering complex spices and creamy tomato sauce in mere minutes. Quick preparation and bold flavors make this classic Indian dish an irresistible meal you can confidently create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Immerse the chicken in a flavor-rich marinade of yogurt, lemon juice, and a symphony of spices including cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Allow the proteins to absorb these aromatic seasonings for 15-20 minutes, enhancing depth and tenderness.
- Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden searing environment for the marinated chicken. Cook the pieces methodically, rotating occasionally to achieve an even caramel-like exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Carefully transfer the beautifully bronzed chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to build a robust sauce foundation. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and ginger, releasing their intense aromatics. Stream in crushed tomatoes and luxurious heavy cream, complemented by garam masala, cinnamon, additional cumin, and chili powder.
- Gently simmer the sauce, allowing it to thicken and concentrate its complex flavors. This reduction process intensifies the sauce’s richness and creates a velvety texture that will magnificently coat the chicken.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly enrobed. Let the components harmonize for a few minutes, allowing the spices to intermingle and create a cohesive, tantalizing dish.
- Finalize the preparation by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the surface. Serve immediately alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread to complete this vibrant culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
- Use full-fat yogurt to ensure rich, creamy texture and prevent sauce from splitting.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder for personal heat preference.
- For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg