Butter Chicken Curry is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that has become a beloved staple in Indian cuisine. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with spices, butter, and cream, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The gentle heat from the spices complements the creamy sauce, making it a perfect pairing for rice or naan. This dish is easy to prepare at home and brings the warmth and depth of traditional Indian flavors right to your table.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Curry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are well blended.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
This Butter Chicken Curry is a creamy, aromatic dish that’s perfect for a flavorful dinner, offering a taste of Indian comfort food right at home!