Ever dreamed of a dish that takes you straight to Delhi’s streets? This Butter Chicken will whisk you away! It’s rich, creamy, and full of spices. This comfort food feels like a warm hug inside. Plus, you can adjust the sauce’s thickness with different flours.
Key Takeaways
- Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
- The dish is known for its creamy, comforting texture and aromatic spices.
- You can adjust the sauce thickness by using different types of flour in the recipe.
- Butter Chicken is a beloved comfort food that can transport you to the streets of Delhi.
- This article will share the secrets to creating the perfect Butter Chicken at home.
Unveiling the Secrets of an Aromatic Culinary Delight
Making the perfect Butter Chicken is like an art. It needs a special list of ingredients. We’ll explore the key elements that make this Indian dish so loved.
“The key to perfecting Butter Chicken lies in the perfect balance of spices and the delicate searing of the chicken.”
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Serve 4
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces or butterfly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour / oat flour / almond flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or beef tallow
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
-
Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. If using chicken breasts, you can either cut them into bite-sized pieces or butterfly them. Dredge the chicken first in beaten eggs, then in your choice of flour, shaking off any excess.
-
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil or beef tallow in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or tallow if needed. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
-
Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook for about a minute, then add tomato puree. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
-
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and add butter, stirring well. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender.
-
Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve the Butter Chicken over a bed of steamed basmati rice or with naan bread.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Using Almond Flour:
- Calories: 730
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
- Sodium: 750mg
Using All-Purpose Flour:
- Calories: 660
- Protein: 43g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
- Sodium: 750mg
Conclusion
This Butter Chicken recipe offers a sumptuous blend of creamy, spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream, enveloping tender pieces of chicken for a truly indulgent meal. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices and a hint of fresh cilantro, it’s a delightful dish that captures the essence of classic Indian cuisine. Serve it over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Ideal for anyone seeking to savor the rich flavors of a beloved culinary tradition.