Easy Butter Chicken

The Easy Butter Chicken is one of the most popular recipes in Indian cuisine that has won over palates around the world. This simplified version will allow you to enjoy its exquisite flavor without complications. Perfect for those looking for a quick meal that is full of nuances.

To start, you need chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of natural yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps the chicken become tender and juicy.

The next step is to cook the chicken in a pan with a bit of butter until it is golden. This is one of the keys to giving it that characteristic and delicious flavor. Then, a creamy sauce is prepared based on tomatoes, cream, and a touch of lemon, which is mixed with the spices to create an authentic flavor.

Finally, the sauce is combined with the cooked chicken and simmered so that the flavors fully integrate. The result is a dish of Easy Butter Chicken, rich and creamy, that you can serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete experience.

Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special lunch, this Butter Chicken recipe is ideal for any occasion. Surprise your family and friends with this dish full of flavor and tradition.

Ingredients :

Instructions :

Notes :

• Use fresh chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
• Make sure the yogurt is natural and unsweetened so as not to alter the flavor of the marinade.
• If you do not have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can be used.
• Butter adds a rich flavor, but it can be substituted with ghee for a more authentic touch.
• Vegetable oil helps prevent the butter from burning quickly.
• Finely chop the onion so it cooks evenly.
• Make sure the garlic is well chopped to avoid large pieces in the sauce.
• Use fresh ginger for a more intense flavor; it can be grated beforehand and frozen for future use.
• Tomato puree can be homemade or canned, but it is important that it is of good quality.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Add water gradually at the end to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Sugar balances the acidic flavors of the tomato and lemon, but it can be adjusted to taste.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of the cooking process to avoid excess salt.
• Garam masala is a spice blend that can vary; adjust according to availability and personal preference.
• Use cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder to add depth and color to the dish; adjust the amounts according to the desired level of spiciness.
• Marinate the chicken longer, if possible, for a deeper flavor; it can even be left overnight.
• Stir occasionally while cooking the tomato puree to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Cooking over medium-low heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without the sauce evaporating too quickly.
• If the sauce reduces too much, more water or cream can be added according to the desired consistency.
• Fresh cilantro should be added just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant color.
• Serve with basmati rice or naan, which are traditional accompaniments, but it can also be served with other types of bread or rice.

Tips :

• Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Use unsweetened natural yogurt to avoid altering the flavor of the marinade.
• Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavors, if you have the time.
• Lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Vegetable oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a more neutral flavor.
• Cook the onion over medium heat so it caramelizes properly without burning.
• Garlic and ginger should be cooked until they release their aroma, but don't let them burn to avoid bitter flavors.
• Tomato puree can be replaced with crushed fresh tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
• Stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to the acidity of the tomato puree you are using.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream.
• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving by cutting a piece to check.
• Fresh cilantro is added at the end to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
• If you don't have garam masala, you can make a homemade blend with spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg.
• Serving the dish with basmati rice or naan enhances the flavors of the curry.