Name: Authentic Indian Butter Chicken: A Culinary Journey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste); 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Salt and pepper to taste

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Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has captivated taste buds around the world. This creamy, aromatic delight has become a staple on Indian restaurant menus, and for good reason – its rich, savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken are simply irresistible.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this authentic Indian butter chicken recipe apart is the perfect balance of spices, the slow-simmered sauce, and the tender, juicy chicken. The combination of aromatic spices, tangy tomatoes, and rich, velvety butter creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and complex. And with just a few simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

The beauty of this Indian Butter Chicken is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of aromatic spices, tangy tomatoes, and rich dairy creates the authentic Indian-inspired flavor profile that has made this dish perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes and their juices to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gently fold in the cooked chicken and let the dish simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Compared to traditional Indian curries, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Indian Butter Chicken saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar authentic flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 491
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 602mg

These Indian Butter Chicken recipes provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 35% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Lower-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or naan bread.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, and use a plant-based butter or oil to sauté the onions and chicken.
• Added protein: For an extra protein boost, stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils along with the chicken.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for an extra serving of veggies.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Indian Butter Chicken.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Complement the Indian Butter Chicken with a cooling raita (yogurt-based condiment) or a refreshing mango chutney.
• For a festive occasion, serve the dish alongside other Indian-inspired dishes like curried lentils, aloo gobi, or saag paneer.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overcooking the chicken: Be sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Keep a close eye on it during the simmering process.
• Burning the spices: Toast the spices for just 1-2 minutes to release their flavors, but be careful not to let them burn, which can result in a bitter taste.
• Skimping on the sauce: Don’t be tempted to reduce the amount of sauce – the creamy, flavorful sauce is an essential component of the dish.

🏠 How to Store Properly

These Indian Butter Chicken recipes retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: You can freeze the raw chicken and sauce separately. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the frozen or refrigerated butter chicken in a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this butter chicken recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors of this dish actually improve over time, so it’s a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can use other proteins in this recipe. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu would both work well as vegetarian options. For a seafood version, try using shrimp or cubed firm white fish like cod or halibut.

Is this recipe gluten-free or low-carb?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free or low-carb, as it is typically served with rice or naan bread. However, you can easily make adaptations to suit those dietary needs, such as using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.

How can I make this butter chicken spicier?

For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add in a diced fresh chili pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also garnish the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This butter chicken is very versatile and can easily accommodate additional vegetables. Try stirring in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower florets along with the chicken.

🏁 Conclusion

These authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a special occasion feast, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy, and aromatic qualities.

The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Indian Butter Chicken dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.