How to Make Perfect Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a favorite among food enthusiasts for its rich, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors. It's no wonder that many home cooks aspire to recreate the restaurant-quality version in their own kitchens. This article will walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe for perfect butter chicken.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients

• 1 kg of boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 tbsp of tomato puree
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tsp garam masala
• 3-4 green cardamom pods, bruised
• 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick (ground or whole)
• 2 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tsp sugar
• 6 bay leaves
• 3-4 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
• Fresh cream or heavy cream – 150 ml
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for shallow frying (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the tomato puree, garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, ground cinnamon, black pepper, sugar, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth paste. Add chicken pieces and mix thoroughly ensuring each piece is coated in the marinade. Let it rest for at least an hour or up to 2-3 hours in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil followed by butter. When melted, sauté green cardamom pods and bay leaves until fragrant. Add minced garlic and green chilies; stir continuously till golden brown to avoid burning. This helps in releasing all the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: Now take out the chicken pieces from the marinade and place them in a preheated pan over low flame. Fry gently until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure not to overcrowd your pan so that each piece gets enough time to cook evenly.
4. Cook Down: Add the tomato puree-garlic mixture along with a cup of water; cover and simmer for around 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. If you prefer a more gravy-like consistency, add some fresh cream or heavy cream at this stage.
5. Serve: Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or naan bread.

Tips for Better Butter Chicken

• Quality Matters: Always opt for good quality chicken; it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Use Fresh Cream: If possible, use fresh cream instead of powdered or evaporated one as it imparts a richer taste.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd your pan while frying chicken pieces; this ensures even cooking and browning.

Final Thoughts

Butter Chicken is more than just an ordinary dish; it's a celebration of spices, texture, and flavors that come together harmoniously to create something truly special. With these straightforward steps, you can easily enjoy this iconic Indian curry right at home. Perfect for family dinners or weekend get-togethers, butter chicken remains one of those dishes where the effort is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking!