Indian Butter Chicken Dish (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy spiced sauce, ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
500 grams boneless chicken thighs, diced
02 -
2 tablespoons Tandoori masala
→ Aromatics
03 -
150 grams onions, finely chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
20 grams fresh ginger, minced
→ Spices and Sauces
06 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 -
1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek
11 -
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
13 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 -
400 grams chopped tomatoes, canned or fresh
15 -
125 grams full-fat Greek yogurt
→ Fats and Sweeteners
16 -
5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
17 -
30 grams unsalted butter
18 -
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
→ Seasoning
19 -
Salt, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 -
Dice chicken thighs and coat evenly with Tandoori masala. Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
02 -
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large shallow pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until onions soften and start to brown lightly.
03 -
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric, chili powder, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and Greek yogurt. Combine thoroughly and cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
04 -
Using a hand blender, purée the sauce mixture until completely smooth and velvety.
05 -
In a separate non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken pieces for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
06 -
Transfer the browned chicken to the blended sauce. Simmer gently over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if needed to adjust consistency and ensure chicken is fully cooked.
07 -
Stir in granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Season with salt to taste. Mix well to create a thick, creamy sauce and remove from heat.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Marinate chicken in Tandoori masala for a minimum of 30 minutes to deepen flavor. Use full-fat Greek yogurt to prevent sauce splitting and achieve a richer texture. Caramelize aromatics thoroughly for enhanced sauce complexity. Adjust sauce consistency with water during simmering if necessary.