Classic Butter Chicken

This rich and creamy butter chicken recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with a velvety smooth sauce, offering a delightful balance of spices and flavors. A favorite in Indian cuisine, it's perfect for an indulgent dinner.

Prep Time

30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Calories

687

Level

Medium

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£1.90

Meal Type:

Dinner•Snack•Dessert

Cuisine:

Indian

Main Ingredient:

Chicken

Mood:

Comfort Food•Light & Fresh•Healthy•Indulgent

Ingredients

Servings

1poundboneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

£3.50

1cupplain yogurt

£0.75

1tablespoonlemon juice

£0.10

6clovesgarlic, minced

£0.20

1tablespoonfresh ginger, grated

£0.25

2teaspoonsgaram masala

£0.15

1teaspoonturmeric

£0.05

1teaspoonground cumin

£0.05

1teaspoonpaprika

£0.05

1teaspoonsalt

£0.01

0.3teaspooncayenne pepper

£0.02

2tablespoonsvegetable oil

£0.08

1cuptomato puree

£0.40

1cupheavy cream

£1.20

4tablespoonsunsalted butter

£0.50

1tablespoonsugar

£0.01

2tablespoonsfresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

£0.30

Total Cost

£7.62

£1.90 per serving

The Method

1
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 4 cloves of minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 teaspoon garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Refrigerate
2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes.
Medium heat
3
Add the marinated chicken along with any excess marinade to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
Medium heat
4
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, butter, remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and sugar. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Low heat
5
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Serve hot

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (250g)

687 kcal / 2876 kJ

Carbs

15g

6% of RDA

Fat

54g

77% of RDA

Protein

31g

62% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

2 g

7% of RDA

Sugar

8 g

9% of RDA

Sodium

702 mg

31% of RDA

Saturated Fat

26 g

130% of RDA

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Starter

Cucumber Raita Shooters with Mint and Pomegranate

Cool and refreshing cucumber raita served in shot glasses, garnished with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds. A perfect palate cleanser, especially when paired with richer Indian dishes.

10 minutes

6 servings

Easy

"The cool, refreshing cucumber raita shooters provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the butter chicken. The yogurt base complements the yogurt marinade of the chicken, while the mint and pomegranate offer a light, fresh counterpoint to the heavier, spiced main course, cleansing the palate."

Dessert

Cardamom and Pistachio Kulfi Popsicles

A creamy, aromatic frozen dessert with cardamom and pistachios, perfect after a rich Indian meal.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"These Kulfi popsicles offer a frozen, creamy delight with aromatic cardamom and nutty pistachios. The cool temperature and lighter sweetness provide a refreshing ending after the rich butter chicken, while the cardamom echoes the warming spices already present in the main course, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile."