Butter chicken is tender grilled chicken simmered in a mild, creamy tomato sauce finished with butter and cream. This restaurant-style version serves 4 and takes about 1 hour plus marinating time.
Prep: 20 minutes + 1 hour marinating | Cook: 40 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
Chicken marinade
- 700 g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp salt
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
Method
- Mix the marinade ingredients, coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Sear or broil the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly charred. It does not need to be fully tender yet.
- Melt the butter with the oil. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste for 1 minute, then the tomatoes, chili powder, garam masala, salt and sugar. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- For a silky sauce, blend until smooth, then return to the pan.
- Add the chicken and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through (74 C / 165 F inside).
- Stir in the cream and kasuri methi. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and adjust salt.
Tips
- Thighs stay juicier than breast. If you use breast, shorten the final simmer.
- Charring the chicken first gives the dish its smoky, tandoori edge.
- Serve with basmati rice or fresh naan.
Skip the cooking
You can order Butter Chicken at Aldergrove Indian Bistro, or add it to a catering menu for weddings, parties and offices. See our live catering options.
FAQ
What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala? Butter chicken is smoother, milder and butter-rich. Tikka masala usually has a spicier, onion-based sauce.
Can I freeze butter chicken? Yes, for up to 2 to 3 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream.