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Butter Chicken

A straightforward and flavorful Butter Chicken recipe that's sure to be a family favorite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 600 g chicken breast, diced
  • 150 g plain yogurt Use full fat for richer flavor
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika (sweet)
  • 1 tsp salt Sea salt if you prefer a fancier taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp oil For marinating
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp butter Adds richness to the sauce
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala Again for added flavor
  • ½ tsp chili powder Optional for spice lovers
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 150 ml cream or coconut milk Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes
  • Salt to taste Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish Adds freshness

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. Combine the yogurt, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, paprika, salt, lemon juice, and half of the oil in a bowl. Toss in the diced chicken cubes, mix it up, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. For best results, marinate overnight.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat the remaining oil in a pan; add the marinated chicken. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Set it aside once cooked.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same pan, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Stir for about 5 minutes until they are soft and glassy.
Add the Garlic and Ginger
  1. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, cooking for about a minute.
Stir in the Spices and Tomatoes
  1. Add coriander, garam masala, and chili powder, if using. Stir well before adding the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cream and Sugar Time
  1. Pour in the cream (or coconut milk) and add sugar. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, adjusting salt as needed.
Combine Chicken with Sauce
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and mix well. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with basmati rice and naan.

Notes

Preparation is key for this dish. It's also great with a light salad or roasted veggies on the side. Don’t stress about the appearance; focus on the taste!