Description
Savor the rich, creamy magic of classic Indian Butter Chicken, a culinary journey that brings tender marinated chicken bathed in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Spices dance together, creating a harmonious blend that will transport you straight to the heart of India’s most beloved comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
Sauce and Base Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs with yogurt, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop rich flavor.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and develop depth.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.
- Slice roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro and optional green chili over the dish. Finish with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste development.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure tender, juicy meat that absorbs marinade perfectly.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing garam masala and green chili to suit personal heat preferences.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the dish’s creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 2-3 hours
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg