Indian Butter Chicken
User Reviews
4.7
726 reviews
Excellent
Indian Butter Chicken
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Indian Butter Chicken blends tender diced chicken breast cooked with sautéed onions and a combination of spices including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and ginger. The sauce is enriched with butter, heavy cream, and tomato sauce, producing a thick, creamy texture. The preparation involves cooking the chicken pieces until done, then simmering them in the spiced buttery tomato cream sauce. The result is a smooth dish with layered spice flavors and a mellow heat from cayenne pepper. Typically served over basmati rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, it makes a satisfying main course with a rich sauce.
Description
Indian Butter Chicken starts by sautéing onions in butter until they soften and begin to caramelize, which forms the foundation of the sauce. Diced chicken breast is added and cooked through before stirring in minced garlic and a blend of spices including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ground ginger, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Additional butter melts into the pan to deepen the richness. The sauce is completed by adding heavy cream and tomato sauce, which simmers until it thickens and reduces, developing a creamy, smooth texture that coats the chicken. The dish balances gentle warmth and aromatic spices without overwhelming heat. Served with basmati rice and fresh cilantro, it provides a flavorful and comforting meal.
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter 1/2 stick + 1 stick, divided, unsalted
- 1 onion diced small, large sweet Vidalia or yellow
- 1.50 pounds chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces, boneless, skinless
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger finely chopped, or 1+ tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream see Notes below
- tomato sauce I used no-salt added; see Notes below, canned, 8-ounce can
- basmati rice or your favorite rice, for serving
- ⅓ cup cilantro or to taste for garnishing, fresh leaves
Instructions
- To a large skillet add 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), onion, and sauté over medium-high heat until the onions begins to soften and caramelize about 5 minutes; stir intermittently. It does not have to be fully caramelized before moving on.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is done; flip and stir often to ensure even cooking.
- Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir frequently.
- Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (does not make it spicy but adds depth of flavor), and stir to combine.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter and heat until it has melted; stir frequently to encourage melting.
- Add the heavy cream, tomato sauce, stir to combine, and allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. Taste and if desired, add additional salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, etc.
- Add rice to the serving plates and top with chicken and as much sauce as desired.
- Evenly garnish with cilantro and serve immediately. Dish is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Equipments used:
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of tomato sauce and cream to control the sauce's thickness based on your preference.
- If using salted tomato sauce, reduce added salt to avoid oversalting.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
749kcal
(37%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
40g
(80%)
Fat
62g
(95%)
Saturated Fat
37g
(185%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
268mg
(89%)
Sodium
1075mg
(45%)
Potassium
989mg
(21%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
2403IU
(48%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
96mg
(10%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 749 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 749kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 62g | 95% |
| Saturated Fat | 37g | 185% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 268mg | 89% |
| Sodium | 1075mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 989mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2403IU | 48% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
726 reviews
Excellent
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