Butter Chicken is probably the most popular mainstream Indian meal. It’s a simple recipe where chicken is simmered in a mild fragrant tomato sauce and usually served over rice. It doesn’t take long to prepare, and this recipe has ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
This is a true story. I was in a grocery store looking at yogurt and a woman came over and started talking to me about what kind of yogurt I should buy. Yes she was a complete stranger. I told her I wanted yogurt because I was making Butter Chicken. She said oh no, you make butter chicken with coconut milk. “Hmmmm,” I said, “well I haven’t ever made it that way. I’m using a recipe shared by a former co-worker who is actually from India.” She insisted her recipe was authentic so I smiled and said “Sure, I’ll try it with coconut milk.” Just as I was about to make a clean getaway, she brought me a can of coconut milk.
So instead of making a run for it, I bought the coconut milk. And guess what? It was good. Really good. Who knew?
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How to make Butter Chicken
Traditional Butter Chicken is made with some ingredients that may not be easy to find. And many authentic versions contain nuts and extra steps like pureeing and straining for a smooth sauce. I’ve come up with this version that’s a tasty compromise between truly authentic and sauce from a jar.
For best results, you want to marinate the chicken before cooking. You can do this the night before, earlier in the day or even up to an hour before. Use regular yogurt, not the fat free or reduced fat type that have added ingredients like thickeners. Toss the chicken pieces together with the marinade ingredients in a bowl or freezer bag and let them hang out for a while. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. I prefer dark meat but you can use breast meat if you prefer. You want to use fresh ginger and garlic, not the ground type. Ginger is actually very reasonably priced, in fact the last piece I bought cost me about 40 cents!
When you’re ready to make Butter Chicken, start with the onion and sauté slowly in butter to soften and sweeten. Use half of the butter for this step and save the other half for the end. If you can find Ghee, use it in place of butter. It’s basically clarified butter, meaning the water and milk solids have been removed so it’s a pure fat. Plus it’s an authentic Indian ingredient.
Once you add the spices your kitchen starts to smell really good. Garam Masala is a blend of spices used in Indian and South Asian cooking. It’s easily found and saves you from buying a whole bunch of exotic spices. Cayenne pepper is optional but if you like some heat, add it. But turmeric? Don’t skip it. Not only for the authenticity, it adds something to the colour. You’ll see. You’ll also see it can stain your surfaces so make sure to wipe up your countertops after working with turmeric. You might think paprika doesn’t make sense in an Indian recipe but, like turmeric, it helps with the colour, but also has a hint of sweetness. Cooking spices ensures they don’t have a grainy or sandy texture in your sauce and helps release their best flavour.
Since your chicken has been marinated, you won’t be able to brown it when added to the skillet but don’t worry, there’s so much flavour in Butter Chicken it’s not necessary. Just turn up the heat, toss it in, including the marinade and stir until the chicken is almost cooked through. The spices in the pan will coat the chicken and help flavour the pieces.
Next, add the tomato sauce, yogurt, brown sugar and coconut milk. Passata is the perfect consistency but a great alternative is canned crushed tomatoes. The brown sugar helps neutralize the acidity of the tomato in the sauce. Simmer for about 20 minutes to ensure all the flavours have combined and the chicken is cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks so leave the pan uncovered. This step gives you time to make rice. Basmati or Jasmine rice are great with Butter Chicken. And don’t forget fresh Naan Bread. If you’re really ambitious you can make your own!
Garnish with fresh cilantro. You can make Raita with the leftover yogurt which is a simple sauce with shredded cucumber, fresh garlic and a pinch of cumin. It’s used to cool your mouth with hot dishes but is also great on warm naan.
If you’ve made this version of Butter Chicken, consider leaving a rating or comment below! Here’s the recipe:
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken about 6 thighs
- ¼ cup full fat yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 piece fresh ginger, size of thumb, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1 ½ tsp garam masala
- salt and pepper
Butter Chicken Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter - divided or Ghee save 1 Tbsp for the end
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, if desired
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- â…“ cup full fat yogurt
- â…” cup coconut milk the small can, about 160 ml
- 1 cup smooth tomato sauce such as Passata
- handful fresh cilantro for garnish if desired for garnish
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite sized pieces. Add all marinade ingredients and combine well. Marinate at least 30 minutes, up to over night in refrigerator.
- In large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp butter or ghee and sauté diced onion over medium-low heat until golden and soft.
- Add spices and sauté about a minute or two to release flavours and fragrance.
- Turn heat to medium and add chicken, including marinating liquid. Cook chicken, stirring, until pieces are cooked on the outside.
- Stir in yogurt, coconut milk, sugar and tomato sauce. Lower heat and simmer at least 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened slightly.
- Right before serving, whisk in the reserved 1 Tbsp of butter or ghee.
- Serve over warm Basmati or Jasmine rice. Garnish if desired with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with warm naan bread.
Sounds yummy! Thanks!