Traditional Indian Butter Chicken
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.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
Prep the Base:
- Heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil in a large saucepan. Over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the shallot and onion. Until they are soft and translucent. About 5 minutes.
Add Spices and Tomato:
- Stir in the butter, ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp of garam masala, lemon juice, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato puree. And cook for another 2 minutes. Stirring frequently.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the half-and-half and yogurt. And simmer for 10 minutes. Stirring often. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. And set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned. About 10 minutes.
- Season with the remaining 1 tsp of garam masala and cayenne pepper.
- 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:
- Add the chicken to the main saucepan with the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Mix the cornstarch with water. And stir it into the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve:
- Serve the butter chicken hot over rice. Garnished with fresh herbs if desired. And accompanied by naan bread.
- 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.