The Ultimate Butter Chicken: a Taste of India at Home
Right then, let's talk buttered chicken , shall we? ever had a craving that only a big, flavourful bowl of this classic can satisfy? honestly, it's my go-to comfort food when i need a bit of a hug in a bowl.
It's rich, it's creamy, and it's utterly delicious.
The Ultimate Butter Chicken: A Taste of India at Home
This beauty comes straight from delhi, india. it's basically marinated chicken swimming in the most gorgeous creamy tomato sauce. it's not just a recipe, it's a proper experience.
Plus, it's easier than you think! give yourself around an hour and a half, plus a bit of time for marinating, and you'll have enough to feed 4-6 hungry souls.
Trust me, they'll be thanking you for days.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This
Okay, so besides the fact that it tastes like heaven, buttered chicken has a few sneaky health perks. it's packed with protein and, let's be honest, it's a mood booster.
Perfect for a chilly evening when you need something comforting or even a special occasion to impress your friends! seriously, what makes this buttered chicken special? it's the balance of flavours and the sheer joy it brings.
What About Lamb Lovers?
Now, for all you who find yourself scrolling through winter lamb recipes , braised leg of lamb recipes , or desperately searching " how to cook lamb shanks ," i hear you! while this recipe is all about chicken, don't despair.
Think of those rich spices and creamy sauce. now, imagine adapting them to, say, slow cook lamb shanks . you'd need to adjust the cooking time to properly tenderise the lamb, but the core flavours would be sublime.
Picture falling off-the-bone lamb shanks, braised low and slow, with that signature buttered chicken zing. heaven, right? also, don't be shy to experiment and create amazing braised lamb shanks slow cooker , crockpot lamb chops and/or slow cook lamb chops .
I know, i know, easy lamb shank recipe , you want something quick! the core idea is simple to adapt to lamb, just make sure to give that lamb time to get nice and tender and explore the wonderful world of lamb shank recipe slow cooker .
Right then, let's talk ingredients for this amazing buttered chicken! Honestly, it's all about getting the right bits and bobs for maximum flavour. You can't bodge it, you know?
Get Your Bits Ready: Ingredients Sorted
The Main Event: Chicken and Marinade
You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed. thighs are the best shout, much juicier than breast.
For the marinade, grab 1 cup (240ml) of proper full fat yogurt greek works a treat too! add 1 tbsp (15ml) of ginger garlic paste (the stuff in a jar's fine, but fresh is better, innit?).
Plus, 1 tbsp (7g) of garam masala, 1 tsp (5ml) of lemon juice, ½ tsp (2.5ml) turmeric, 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin, 1 tsp (6g) salt and ½ tsp (2.
5g) chilli powder. give it a good mix and leave it for at least an hour. overnight is even better if you can.
Longer marinade time lets those flavours really get in there. i remember once i only marinaded it for half an hour and the chicken wasn't nearly as flavourful.
Lesson learnt!
Saucy Business: Building That Flavour
For the sauce, you're looking at 2 tbsp (30ml) of vegetable oil and 2 tbsp (30g) of unsalted butter. don't skimp on the butter, it’s buttered chicken after all! next, 1 large onion finely chopped, more ginger garlic paste ( 1 tbsp/15ml ), plus 1 tsp (5g) garam masala, 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin, ½ tsp (2.
5g) chilli powder, a 28oz (794g) tin of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream (double cream if you're feeling extra!), 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste, 1 tbsp (15ml) sugar (optional, balances the acidity) and 1 tsp (6g) salt.
Oh, and a splash of water ( ½ cup/120ml ) if it gets too thick. for garnish, fresh coriander is a must!
Seasoning Secrets: Spice It Up
Garam masala is the star here. it's a blend, so it has loads going on. cumin adds earthiness and the chilli powder, well, that's your heat.
If you're not keen on too much heat, cut it back a bit. honestly, sometimes i chuck in a pinch of smoked paprika for a bit of depth.
It's my little secret! as for winter lamb recipes, how to cook lamb shanks, braised leg of lamb recipes, slow cook lamb shanks, slow cook lamb chops, crockpot lamb chops, lamb shank recipe slow cooker, braised lamb shanks slow cooker, easy lamb shank recipe, some of these combinations are perfect for similar slow cooked recipes.
Like, you could totally swap out the chicken for lamb shanks and adapt the recipe.
Kit You'll Need: Essential Tools
Right, kit-wise you don't need a spaceship. a large mixing bowl for the marinade, a large skillet or dutch oven for cooking the sauce and chicken, and the usual measuring cups, spoons, chopping board and knife.
Nothing fancy, eh?
Right then, let's get this buttered chicken recipe sorted. Honestly, it’s proper comfort food, isn't it? Like a big hug in a bowl. This is my take, dead easy and totally lush.
Cooking Method: The Butter Chicken Breakdown
Prep Like a Boss: Your Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place , yeah? get all your bits chopped, measured, and ready to go. that way you're not scrambling around mid-cook like a headless chicken.
Chop 1 large onion finely. measure out 1 cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and all them spices.
It's a game changer, trust me. safety wise, watch your fingers with that knife, yeah? we don't want any casualties. i read once that good quality ingredients will make the dish.
Butter Chicken step-by-step: No Faffing About
Marinate time: mix the chicken (1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs) with the marinade stuff (1 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp chili powder).
Give it a good stir and bung it in the fridge for at least an hour. overnight is even better.
Onions first: heat 2 tbsp of veg oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a big pan. soften and lightly golden the 1 chopped onion.
Add the ginger garlic paste (1 tbsp), garam masala (1 tsp), cumin (1 tsp), and chili powder (½ tsp), and cook for 1 minute .
Sauce Time: Stir in the crushed tomatoes (1 can of 28oz), tomato paste (2 tbsp), sugar (1 tbsp), and salt (1 tsp). Simmer for 15 minutes .
Chicken's Turn: Add the marinated chicken. Cook for 20- 25 minutes , or until the internal temperature is at 165° F ( 74° C) .
Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream (1 cup). Simmer for 5 minutes . Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips: Butter Chicken Like a Pro
- Spice it Up: If you fancy a bit of a kick, add a chopped chili to the sauce. But remember to keep in mind that you can always add more, but never less.
- Avoid Overcooking: Watch the chicken like a hawk! Overcooked chicken is like chewing rubber. No one wants that.
- make-ahead Magic: You can make the sauce a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge and add the chicken when you're ready to cook.
Honestly, give that a go, and you'll have a buttered chicken that's better than most takeaways.
Winter lamb recipes are great and all, but let's be honest, sometimes you just need that creamy, comforting buttered chicken .
If you are feeling adventurous you could even try this recipe for braised lamb shanks slow cooker . or maybe crockpot lamb chops , but this recipe has it all!
Alright, let's talk about rounding out your buttered chicken masterpiece. You've got the recipe down, now let's think about those little extras that take it from good to bloody brilliant.
Recipe Notes: The Nitty Gritty Bits
Honestly, these are the bits I always skip when I'm reading a recipe online, but trust me, they're lifesavers. Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Plating and Presentation: Making it Look the Business
Presentation matters. who wants a grey splodge on a plate? not me, mate! serve your buttered chicken in a nice bowl.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is always a winner. maybe a swirl of cream on top? go on, treat yourself! don't forget a side of fluffy basmati rice, and warm naan, because honestly, what's buttered chicken without naan?
Think about your sides too. A braised leg of lamb recipes might be great, but a bit heavy with buttered chicken, right?
Storage Savvy: Don't Be a Food Waste Warrior
Right, so you've made a massive batch of buttered chicken . Don't panic. Leftovers are your friend.
- Fridge Fun: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for 3-4 days. Easy peasy.
- Freezer Fiesta: For longer storage, portion it out and freeze. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Realness: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water if it's looking a bit dry.
Variations: Fancy Pants Options
Okay, so you're feeling adventurous, eh?
- dairy-free Delight: Swap out the cream for coconut milk. Adds a lovely sweetness.
- Spice it Up: Want more of a kick? Add a chopped chilli to the sauce. Simple.
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
Right, I'm no nutritionist. But basically, buttered chicken is packed with protein and flavour. It's not exactly health food, but hey, everything in moderation, right?
Consider pairing with healthier sides, rather than lamb, to help even out the recipe. Something like a Slow Cook Lamb Chops might add too many Calories.
So there you have it, that's your buttered chicken served with all the trimmings. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get that restaurant quality flavour in my homemade buttered chicken?
To achieve that authentic restaurant taste, don't skimp on the marinade time! Overnight is ideal. Also, simmering the sauce low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so resist the urge to rush it. Finally, using good quality crushed tomatoes will make a world of difference.
Can I make buttered chicken spicier, and if so, how?
Absolutely! If you're feeling brave and want to add a kick, finely chop 1-2 green chilies (like Serrano or Thai) and add them to the sauce while you're sautéing the onions and ginger garlic paste.
Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away, so start with a little and taste as you go, yeah?
I'm a vegetarian, can I still enjoy buttered chicken? What's a good substitute for the chicken?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Paneer (Indian cheese) is a fantastic substitute for the chicken, just add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking so it doesn't melt away to nothing. Tofu is another excellent option. I would recommend to pan fry tofu until crisp and then added to the sauce.
How long does buttered chicken last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Buttered chicken will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheating is a doddle you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts, again stirring in between, until heated through.
Adding a splash of water or cream when reheating can prevent it from drying out.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream for a vegan buttered chicken recipe?
Definitely! Coconut cream is a great substitute for heavy cream. Alternatively, you can soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then blend them with fresh water until smooth and creamy. This cashew cream works beautifully in buttered chicken.
Using oil instead of butter when sautéing the aromatics will make this delicious dish completely vegan.
What can I serve with buttered chicken to make a complete meal?
Buttered chicken is incredibly versatile! A classic pairing is fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for scooping up all that delicious sauce. To balance the richness, a refreshing side of raita (a yogurt based dip) or a simple green salad is always a winner. A nice cucumber salad would also do the trick.
The Ultimate Butter Chicken A Taste Of India At
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
