Simplify dinner with my not-so-secret ingredient for easy Indian Butter Chicken. You don't always need to start from scratch, but this recipe will have everyone convinced it's homemade!
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Butter Chicken is like a cozy flavor hug – creamy, mildly sweet, and oh-so-buttery. The chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, dances in a rich and velvety pool of goodness. It's that comforting dish you just can't get enough of.
Indian Butter Chicken, also known as "Murgh Makhani," is a classic and immensely popular North Indian dish. It's characterized by its rich and creamy tomato-based curry sauce, often flavored with a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Tender chicken pieces are typically marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in the velvety sauce. This dish is best enjoyed with naan or rice.
Personally, I've lost count of how many times I've prepared this delightful Butter Chicken. This is my kid's most requested indian dish at home paired with my fresh homemade naan.
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Butter Chicken versus Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala and butter chicken are both creamy Indian dishes, but with a twist! Chicken tikka masala features succulent pieces of marinated chicken in a tomato-based sauce, while butter chicken is all about the rich and buttery gravy. Me? I'm a total butter believer – everything is just better with that extra layer of creamy goodness. So, butter chicken all the way for me!
Ingredients
- Garlic: Finely grated for an unmistakable aroma and robust flavor. A little goes a long way!
- Onion: Diced for sweet and savory depth. Caramelize for added sweetness.
- Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast: Choose juicy thighs or tender breast meat, cut into bite-sized pieces. Soaks up spices and sauces.
- Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce: A shortcut to authentic taste with aromatic spices and creamy goodness.
- Butter: Adds luxurious richness and a silky smooth texture.
- Heavy Cream or Half and Half: For a creamy, dreamy finish.
- Sugar: A teaspoon balances flavors with subtle sweetness.
How to Make This Butter Chicken
- In a pan, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium heat. Add grated garlic and chopped onion, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Pour in the butter simmer sauce, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the heavy cream or half and half to the pan, stirring continuously to create a creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Butter chicken's amazing, but sides take it to another level.
- Rice: Basmati rice is the classic accompaniment to butter chicken. You can also try other types of rice, such as brown rice, coconut rice, or cilantro lime rice.
- Bread: Naan is another popular choice for soaking up butter chicken sauce. Try my homemade naan.
- Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that helps to cool down the heat of the butter chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Butter chicken and tikka masala are not the same! While both have chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, butter chicken is richer and sweeter, thanks to added cream and butter. Tikka masala is tangier and slightly spicier, often featuring chunks of tomato and onion. So, choose butter chicken for creamy comfort, and tikka masala for a brighter, bolder flavor.
Butter chicken offers a rich and creamy experience, balancing savory tomato notes with warming spices like garam masala and ginger. Tender chicken simmers in the sauce, creating a satisfying blend of sweetness, acidity, and a hint of heat.
Butter chicken's popularity stems from its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. The dish offers a comforting richness with a touch of acidity and a hint of heat, appealing to a wide range of palates. Additionally, the tender chicken and flavorful gravy make it a satisfying and versatile dish, perfect for various occasions.
While both are indulgent treats, Tikka Masala might be slightly lower in calories and fat. Butter chicken can be lightened with substitutes, but Tikka Masala offers more veggie benefits. Choose based on taste and remember portion control and healthier sides for a balanced meal!
Butter chicken is traditionally considered a mild curry, compared to other Indian dishes. It relies on warming spices like garam masala and ginger for flavor, not heat. However, spice levels can vary depending on the recipe and chef, so you might encounter versions with a subtle tingle or a more noticeable kick.
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Easy Butter Chicken
Equipment
- 1 sauce pan or pot
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast cut it bite size pieces
- 12 oz butter chicken simmer sauce
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- In a pan, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium heat. Add grated garlic and chopped onion, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Pour in the butter simmer sauce, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the heavy cream or half and half to the pan, stirring continuously to create a creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over rice or homemade naan.
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Alina (www.healthandyum.ca) says
Butter chicken is one of my favourite recipes! 😋