Butter chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This version uses high-quality butter to enhance the dish’s smooth texture and deep flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, it pairs well with rice, naan, or a light salad. You can change rice for quinoa, and bread for a vegetable like zucchini or spinach.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 g (17.6 oz) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 120 g (4.2 oz) Greek yogurt
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
- 3 g (1 tsp) ground turmeric
- 5 g (1 tsp) garam masala
- 3 g (1 tsp) ground cumin
- 2 g (½ tsp) ground coriander
- 5 ml (1 tsp) vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 100 g / 3.5 oz)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 g (1 tbsp) fresh ginger, grated
- 200 g (7 oz) canned tomato purée
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- 10 g (2 tsp) sugar
- 3 g (½ tsp) chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 5 g (1 tsp) garam masala
- 3 g (½ tsp) smoked paprika
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
- 60 ml (¼ cup) water, if needed
For Garnish:
- 10 g (2 tbsp) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 10 ml (2 tsp) lemon juice
- 10 g (2 tbsp) butter for extra richness (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and coriander.
- Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for better flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken until lightly browned (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, add butter and oil.
- Sauté onions until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato purée and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add sugar, chili powder, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Pour in heavy cream and mix well.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, adding water if needed for desired consistency.
- Stir in extra butter and lemon juice for enhanced flavor.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice, naan, or your preferred side.
Nutritional Index (Per Serving, Approximate Values)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~12 g |
| Protein | ~32 g |
| Fats | ~28 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugar | ~6 g |
| Glycemic Index | ~40 (moderate) |
Disclaimer
This recipe provides general nutritional information and is not intended as medical advice. The glycemic index and macronutrient values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods. If you have specific dietary concerns, allergies, or medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any dietary changes.
