Traditional Indian Butter Chicken

Traditional Indian Butter Chicken – Savor the rich flavors of our Traditional Indian Butter Chicken. A beloved classic. That combines tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. That brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Prepared with aromatic spices, lemon juice, and a velvety mixture of half-and-half and yogurt. It’s a recipe. That promises to delight your taste buds.

this Recipe

I first attempted making Butter Chicken as a special dinner. To celebrate our anniversary. I wanted to recreate our favorite dish from the little Indian restaurant. Where my husband and I had our first date. Although I was nervous about getting the spices right. The aroma filling the kitchen as it cooked. Was reassuringly delicious. When we finally sat down to eat. The first bite took us right back. To that first evening. Sparking memories of laughter and budding love. It wasn’t just the taste. But the shared memories. That made the meal perfect. Even our children. Usually wary of new dishes. Asked for seconds. Drawn in by the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

What makes this Traditional Indian Butter Chicken truly stands out?

This Traditional Indian Butter Chicken stands out. For its authentic taste and simplified cooking method. Making it accessible to even novice cooks. The use of fresh ginger-garlic paste. And a mix of traditional spices like garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. Ensures a robust flavor profile. Additionally, the combination of half-and-half with yogurt. Creates a sauce that is luxuriously creamy yet tangy. Enveloping each piece of chicken. In a rich, comforting blanket of flavor. It’s versatile enough to be a weeknight dinner. Yet elegant for special occasions.

What You Need To Make This Traditional Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

Peanut Oil: Used for its high smoke point. Perfect for frying without burning.

Shallot and White Onion: Provide sweetness and depth. Enhancing the base of the sauce.

Butter: Adds richness. And helps blend the spices. Into a smooth sauce.

Ginger Garlic Paste: Offers a pungent kick. Essential for an authentic Indian flavor.

Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness. With its bright acidity.

Garam Masala and Chili Powder: Deliver warmth. aAd a deep, spicy flavor typical of Indian cuisine.

Tomato Puree: Contributes tanginess. And body to the sauce.

Half-and-Half and Yogurt: Create a creamy texture. And add a slight tang.

Chicken Thighs: Known for their flavor and tenderness. They absorb the sauce well.

Cayenne Pepper: Allows for adjusting the spice level to taste.

Cornstarch and Water: Thicken the sauce. To ensure it coats the chicken generously.

Steps To Make Traditional Indian Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Start the Base: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté shallot and onion until translucent. Mix in butter, spices, and tomato puree. Cooking briefly.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce: Add half-and-half and yogurt. Simmering gently. To combine flavors. Season to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, brown the chicken in remaining oil. Sprinkle with spices. And combine with the sauce.

Step 4: Thicken: Dissolve cornstarch in water. And stir into the dish to thicken.

Step 5: Serve: Enjoy this aromatic butter chicken over rice, accompanied by naan bread.

Tip:

Marinate the chicken overnight in yogurt and spices. Before cooking, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt. A bit of lemon juice, garam masala, chili powder, and garlic-ginger paste. This marination process. Not only tenderizes the chicken. But also infuses it deeply with the aromatic spices. Ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. This extra step. Takes your Butter Chicken from great. To exceptional. Giving the chicken ample time to soak up all the delicious flavors. For a truly authentic taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day. As the flavors deepen. Simply reheat gently before serving.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Easily modulate the heat. By increasing or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper. According to your taste.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

For a dairy-free version. Substitute coconut milk for half-and-half. And a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Traditional Indian Butter Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Our Traditional Indian Butter Chicken is more than just a dish. It's a vibrant symphony of flavors. That envelops you in warmth. With each spoonful. The rich, creamy sauce. Infused with a melody of spices like garam masala and cumin. Clings to tender chunks of chicken. Creating a comforting embrace. That transcends the ordinary. It's a recipe. That carries the essence of Indian culinary tradition. Into your kitchen. Turning a simple meal. Into an exotic feast. Each bite. Is a celebration of culture and comfort. Making it not just food. But an experience to be savored with loved ones. Around the dinner table.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp peanut oil divided
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• ¼ white onion chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala divided
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 c tomato puree
• 1 c half-and-half
• ¼ c plain yogurt
• Pinch of salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ c water

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Instructions

 

Prep the Base:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil in a large saucepan. Over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the shallot and onion. Until they are soft and translucent. About 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Tomato:

1. Stir in the butter, ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp of garam masala, lemon juice, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the tomato puree. And cook for another 2 minutes. Stirring frequently.

Simmer the Sauce:

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in the half-and-half and yogurt. And simmer for 10 minutes. Stirring often. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove from heat. And set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

1. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Over medium heat.
2. Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned. About 10 minutes.
3. Season with the remaining 1 tsp of garam masala and cayenne pepper.
4. Add a few spoonfuls of the sauce to the skillet. And let it simmer. Until the liquid reduces. And the chicken is fully cooked.

Combine and Thicken:

1. Add the chicken to the main saucepan with the sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Mix the cornstarch with water. And stir it into the sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Or until the sauce has thickened.

Serve:

1. Serve the butter chicken hot over rice. Garnished with fresh herbs if desired. And accompanied by naan bread.
2. Enjoy your homemade Traditional Indian Butter Chicken. A richly flavored and comforting dish. Perfect for any meal!

Notes

To create a gluten-free version of this Traditional Indian Butter Chicken. Without losing any of the delightful flavors. You'll need to make a few simple substitutions. First, ensure that the cornstarch used in the recipe is pure. And free from gluten cross-contamination. As it is naturally gluten-free. But can be subject to manufacturing processes involving gluten. Secondly, verify that your spices and tomato puree. Are labeled gluten-free. As some spice blends and processed tomato products. Might contain gluten additives. Lastly, replace the yogurt. With a gluten-free brand or a dairy-free alternative if necessary. To ensure that every component is safe. For those with gluten sensitivities. These tweaks allow everyone to enjoy. This sumptuous dish. Without compromise.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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