Description
Creamy, aromatic butter chicken whispers tales of Indian culinary tradition, blending tender marinated chicken in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Rich spices and silky cream invite passionate cooks to savor this classic North Indian delicacy that promises comfort and pure gastronomic delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for a milder heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Liquids and Bases:
- ½ cup (120 grams) plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) tomato puree
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together tangy yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a vibrant medley of ground spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Gently immerse chicken pieces into the aromatic marinade, meticulously massaging each morsel to ensure comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration.
- Seal the marinating container and allow the chicken to rest in the refrigerator, letting the spices work their magic for a minimum of 60 minutes, though overnight marination will yield the most profound taste complexity.
- When ready to prepare, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it gradually approach room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.
- Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated with the spice-infused yogurt mixture, guaranteeing maximum flavor absorption and tender, succulent results.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Use full-fat yogurt for a richer, creamier marinade that helps keep the chicken incredibly moist during cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially garam masala blends.
- Consider removing chicken skin before marinating to reduce fat content and allow better spice absorption, creating a healthier yet still delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg