Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy Curry Chicken Delight 🥘🍗🌿
1. Introduction
Discover the secrets behind making an authentic Indian butter chicken, a richly flavorful and creamy curry chicken dish that has become a global favorite. This authentic butter chicken recipe combines tender chicken simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream, creating a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe offers an easy yet impressive way to bring the authentic taste of India to your dinner table.
2. Ingredient List for the Authentic Butter Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For an extra touch of authenticity and convenience, consider using kitchen tools like the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to chop ingredients efficiently or the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 for preparing chicken with a crispier texture.
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make Authentic Butter Chicken
Preparation of the Chicken Marinade
Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and thoroughly coat them. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
Preparing the Curry Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finishing the Authentic Butter Chicken
Stir in the remaining butter and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce is rich and velvety. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Storage Tips for Creamy Curry Chicken
To keep your creamy curry chicken fresh and flavorful, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s richness. For longer storage, freeze the curry in suitable containers for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Indian Butter Chicken
This authentic butter chicken pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside side dishes like vegetable pasta or savory appetizers. To elevate your meal, try using the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to chill beverages or the CAROTE Premium Nonstick Cookware Set for excellent cooking results.
6. FAQs About Indian Butter Chicken and Creamy Curry Chicken
What makes this Indian butter chicken authentic?
This recipe relies on traditional spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, combined with fresh ingredients and slow simmering techniques that replicate the flavors found in authentic Indian cuisine.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with paneer or vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, and peas for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies to increase the heat level to your preference.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This creamy curry chicken stores well and reheat beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.
7. Conclusion
Mastering the authentic Indian butter chicken offers a delightful way to enjoy classic Indian flavors in your own kitchen. The creamy, spiced sauce combined with tender chicken creates a comforting and impressive meal perfect for any occasion. Whether served with rice, naan, or your favorite sides, this recipe guarantees a satisfying dining experience. Enhance your culinary skills and bring the vibrant flavors of India home today!
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Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Discover the authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe, a creamy, flavorful curry featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with fragrant spices and a buttery finish. Perfect for dinner, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of India to your table with easy-to-follow steps and impressive results.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and thoroughly coat them. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the remaining butter and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce is rich and velvety. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Notes
- For an extra authentic flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing chili powder or adding green chilies to suit your heat preference.
- Use fresh cilantro as a garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
