Description
This Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a rich and creamy Indian classic featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices, it delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to enhance the flavor penetration.
- Sauté Onions: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes, to develop sweetness and depth.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the pan. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes, ensuring it’s sealed and flavorful.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Butter: Lower the heat to low. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and butter, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and fully combined, giving richness and smoothness.
- Final Simmer and Season: Let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt if necessary to balance flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with your choice of basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight greatly enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red chili powder according to taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt, but this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ginger-garlic paste for the best aroma and taste.
- Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
