Butter Chicken
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 (15 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Naan:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons yogurt
2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
3/4 cup warm water
Additional melted butter or ghee (for brushing)
Fresh garlic and cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, garlic, and ginger.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add cumin, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Finish the Butter Chicken:
Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Prepare the Naan:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
Add yogurt and oil (or melted butter) and mix until crumbly.
Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into small balls (about 8-10 pieces). Roll each ball out into an oval or round shape on a floured surface.
Heat a skillet or tawa over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until puffy and golden brown.
Brush the hot naan with melted butter or ghee and garnish with minced garlic and cilantro if desired.
6. Serve:
Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with additional cilantro, alongside the freshly cooked naan.
Enjoy with basmati rice or extra naan for dipping in the rich, creamy sauce.
Tips:
Marination: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be.
Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream or use coconut milk for a lighter dish.
Naan Variations: Add garlic, herbs, or spices to the naan dough for different flavors.
Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken with Naan! 🥘🍞
Pots and Pans
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set 17 Piece, Oven Broiler Safe 400F, Lid Safe 350F, Kitchen Cooking Set w/ Fry Pans, Saucepans, Saute Pan, Griddle, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Black
Nutrichef 22-Piece Cookware and Bakeware Set | Professional Home Kitchen Collection with Multi-Sized Pots, Pans, Non stick and Heat-Resistant Tools (Moon Grey Marble)
Cuisinart 12 Piece Cookware Set, MultiClad Pro Triple Ply, Silver, MCP-12N
*Kimberly Raymond receives compensation for purchases through affiliate links - See Affiliate Disclaimer