1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, shaking off any excess marinade.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Curry Sauce
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato puree and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture thickens and deepens in color.
4. Add the Spices
- Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and sugar.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to blend into the sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season with salt to taste.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Once the butter chicken is ready, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or steamed basmati rice.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Curry
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference for spiciness.
- Creamy Sauce: Use heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy cashew sauce as a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken Curry is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Butter Chicken Curry lies in marinating the chicken well and balancing the spices in the creamy sauce. By following this guide, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality dish every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Butter Chicken Curry!