Butter chicken curry is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Its rich, creamy tomato sauce paired with tender chicken pieces makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’ve ever wondered how to make butter chicken curry at home, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe with tips to help you create this flavorful dish from scratch.
What Is Butter Chicken Curry?
Butter chicken, also known as Chicken Makhani, originated in India and is famous for its luscious buttery tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. The chicken is usually marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a creamy sauce made with butter, tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. The result is a mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and irresistibly creamy curry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic butter chicken curry, gather these ingredients:
For the Chicken and Marinade
– 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ½ cup Greek yogurt
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– 3 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ lemon, juiced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
– 35 grams (about 2 tablespoons) butter
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon tomato purée or tomato paste
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a lighter version)
– 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Chicken Curry
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally a few hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are white and cooked through but not browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the chopped onions until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the tomato purée and cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw tomato flavor.
4. Add Spices and Cream
Pour in the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add sugar if using, and season with salt. Let this simmer gently for 10 minutes to thicken. Then stir in the cream or coconut milk to create that signature creamy texture. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the curry. Serve your butter chicken hot with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Curry
– Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but chicken breasts work well too.
– Marinate longer if possible; overnight marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
– Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
– Swap cream for coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
– Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream and to develop a rich sauce.
– Add ground almonds or cashew paste for extra richness and texture, a trick used in some recipes.
Variations to Try
– Healthier Butter Chicken: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of cream to reduce saturated fat.
– Quick Version: Use store-bought curry paste to speed up the process without losing too much flavor.
– Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Marinate the chicken and cook it slowly in the sauce for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
Butter chicken curry is a fantastic dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality curry anytime. So grab your spices, get cooking, and treat yourself to this creamy, flavorful delight tonight!
Enjoy your homemade butter chicken curry with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.