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Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy blend of tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful tomato and coconut milk sauce infused with traditional Indian spices like garam masala, coriander, and curry powder. Served over rice or with naan, it’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fats

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion (small diced)
  • 2 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder

Protein

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into ¾-inch chunks)

Pastas & Sauces

  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 3 ounces red curry paste

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

Serving

  • Rice or naan for serving
  • Cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Sauté onions: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds the foundational flavor.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the dish’s aroma.
  4. Toast spices: Add garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to release and deepen the spices’ flavors.
  5. Brown chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides, sealing in juices and adding texture.
  6. Add pastes: Stir in the tomato paste and red curry paste, cooking for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  7. Season and add coconut milk: Season with salt and black pepper, then pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
  8. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
  9. Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if needed to balance flavors.
  10. Serve: Plate the butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase chili powder or add fresh chilies.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat.
  • Coconut milk adds creaminess while keeping it dairy-free; for a richer flavor, you can substitute heavy cream if not dairy-free.
  • Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan for an authentic experience.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Indian Butter Chicken, Butter Chicken Recipe, Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, Easy Indian Dinner

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/indian-butter-chicken-recipe/