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- 500g boneless chicken thighs - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream These are the key ingredients you need to make butter chicken. The boneless chicken thighs make the dish tender. The yogurt helps to marinate the chicken, adding flavor and moisture. The spices are very important. Garam masala adds warmth, turmeric gives a nice color, and chili powder brings some heat. Crushed tomatoes create a rich sauce, while heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. - Fresh cilantro - Additional cream Garnishes are not just for looks; they add flavor too. Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish. A drizzle of cream adds a touch of richness. You can choose to use one or both, depending on your taste. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a bowl. Combine 500g of boneless chicken thighs, 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add a pinch of salt to the mix. This marinade makes the chicken tender and flavorful. I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for a few hours. This really helps the flavors soak in. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown; this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 grated inch piece of ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes until it smells amazing. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook it until the chicken is browned on all sides, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. After that, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir it all together, then let it simmer for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the sauce looks rich and creamy. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. After that, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. I always garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. It adds a nice touch! - Optimal marination duration: Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for a few hours. This helps the spices soak in and makes the chicken juicy. - Cooking techniques for tender chicken: Cook the chicken on medium heat. This keeps it tender without drying it out. Stir it gently to ensure even cooking. - Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken. Overcooking makes it tough and dry. Aim for a nice golden-brown color. - Skipping the marination: Marination is key. If you skip it, your chicken will lack flavor. Take the time to marinate for great taste. - Serving suggestions: Serve your butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice. You can also use warm naan bread for a perfect dip. - Garnishing tips: Add fresh cilantro on top. A drizzle of cream makes it look even better. These simple touches enhance the dish's appeal. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, making your butter chicken even more delicious. Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or add a dollop of yogurt on top when serving. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried or powdered versions. Always opt for fresh whenever possible for the best taste. Perfect Creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the richness will be slightly reduced. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. If you want a meat-free option, use tofu or paneer. They soak up flavors well and add a nice texture. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a tropical twist and keeps it rich. You can mix up the spices for different tastes. Try adding cumin, coriander, or even a pinch of cinnamon. These spices can give the dish a new vibe. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They add color, nutrients, and make your meal more filling. If you want to mimic Indian restaurant style, try adding a bit of fenugreek leaves. This ingredient gives a special aroma. For a fusion twist, serve it with pasta instead of rice. This brings a fun Italian flavor to a classic dish. You can also try adding some lime juice for a zesty kick. To keep your butter chicken fresh, you must store it right. - Refrigeration tips: Let the butter chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. It stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. - Freezing guidance: For longer storage, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date. You want your butter chicken to taste great even when reheated. - Best methods for reheating butter chicken: The oven is best for even heating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter chicken in a dish, cover it, and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the stovetop. Simply heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or water if it gets too thick. Butter chicken can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can make butter chicken in advance. It actually gets better after sitting. Prepare it a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to eat. The best way to reheat butter chicken is on the stove. Use low heat to warm it gently. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. However, chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful. If you choose breasts, cook them carefully to keep them moist. Making homemade butter chicken is simple and rewarding. We covered the key ingredients, including chicken, yogurt, and spices. I shared how to marinate the chicken, cook it, and finish with cream for a rich flavor. You learned tips to avoid mistakes, variations to try, and storage advice for leftovers. Now, you can create a delicious butter chicken at home. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy this classic dish your way.

Quick Homemade Butter Chicken

A flavorful and creamy butter chicken dish that's quick to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 unit onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • to taste unit salt
  • for garnish unit fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours for better flavor absorption.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is rich and creamy. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread. Garnish with cilantro and cream.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, Indian cuisine