Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
- Steamed rice or naan bread, for serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet or pan, melt butter with vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add marinated chicken along with marinade to the skillet. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour in tomato puree, stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Stir in heavy cream, simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
FAQs:
- What is Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight?
- Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight, often referred to simply as Butter Chicken or Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It features marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce that is enriched with butter, cream, and sometimes ground nuts for added richness and flavor.
- How do I make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight?
- To make this dish, start by marinating chicken pieces in yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of Indian spices such as garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. After marinating, cook the chicken until browned and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and spices until fragrant. Add tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, along with butter and cream. Simmer the sauce until thickened, then add the cooked chicken pieces and simmer until fully cooked and flavors are melded. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.
- What spices are typically used in Creamy Indian Butter Chicken?
- The spices commonly used in Creamy Indian Butter Chicken include garam masala (a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg), turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and sometimes chili powder or paprika for a hint of heat. These spices give the dish its distinctive flavor profile.
- Can I make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make Butter Chicken ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve when the dish is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to meld together. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- What can I serve with Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight?
- Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs well with sides like cucumber raita (yogurt dip), roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Delight is a beloved dish known for its creamy texture and complex flavors, making it a favorite in both Indian cuisine and international dining.