Golden Butter Chicken: Authentic Indian Curry at Home
The Ultimate Creaminess! Rich and Flavorful Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Learn how to make a tender, creamy, and rich butter chicken at home, using the quintessential Indian curry spice blend, Garam Masala, and deeply flavorful tomato paste. This recipe is perfect for making any day feel special, transforming a simple meal into a culinary delight.
Ingredients- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tsp lemon juice
- 4 tsp Garam Masala
- 2 tsp chili powder
- A pinch of ground coriander seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups tomato puree (or tomato paste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (for finishing)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup finely crushed cashews or peanuts (for richness and thickening)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the 500g of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm. Ensuring the pieces are not too large will help them absorb the sauce better.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 3 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp olive oil. Mix well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Step 3
While the chicken is marinating, chop the onion into pieces similar in size to the chicken. Chopping them roughly rather than finely is recommended for the sauce base.
Step 4
Now, let’s start making the sauce. Heat a deep pan or pot over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of cooking oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the onions.
Step 5
Once the onions are translucent, add the marinated chicken, 1 bay leaf, and 2 tsp of Garam Masala. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on the outside. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma developing.
Step 6
This step is crucial for allowing the chicken, onions, and spices to meld together. It helps to deepen the flavors and create a richer base for your butter chicken.
Step 7
Once the chicken is partially cooked, pour in 2 cups of tomato puree (or tomato paste). Stir well and simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the tomatoes and spices to combine beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little water.
Step 8
Next, stir in 1 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of yogurt or sour cream to achieve your desired level of tanginess and richness. Using yogurt will also lighten the color of the curry and add a subtle, smooth flavor.
Step 9
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 more minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Step 10
For an even richer and creamier butter chicken, stir in 1/2 cup of finely crushed cashew or peanut powder. This not only thickens the sauce but also adds a deep, nutty flavor. Today, I’m using almond flour. You can adjust the sauce consistency by varying the amount of nut powder and yogurt.
Step 11
Finally, finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the aroma and flavor. Be mindful of the cooking time: overcooking can make the chicken tough and dry, so keep an eye on it! Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!