Indian Butter Chicken is a delicious, creamy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week, especially when you’re short on time. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish is a surefire hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Follow this simple stovetop recipe to create an authentic and mouthwatering Butter Chicken that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that combines tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. The balance of spices, the tanginess of yogurt, and the richness of cream make it irresistible. This recipe is tailored for busy weeknights, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat trimmed, cut into bite-sized pieces)	2-3 lbs
Plain Greek yogurt	¼ cup
Garlic (minced)	4 cloves
Ginger (minced)	1 tablespoon
Garam masala	1 ½ teaspoon
Turmeric	1 teaspoon
Cumin	1 teaspoon
Red chili powder	1 teaspoon
Sea salt	1 teaspoon

Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)	2 tablespoons
Ghee (or butter)	2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced)	5 cloves
Cumin	1 ½ teaspoon
Garam masala	1 ½ teaspoon
Ground coriander	1 teaspoon
Tomato sauce	14 oz
Red chili powder	1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper	½ teaspoon
Sea salt	1 ½ teaspoon
Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk	1 cup
Dried fenugreek (or crushed kasoori methi)	½ teaspoon
Fresh cilantro (optional)	For garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, and sea salt.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the Oil and Ghee: In a large pan, heat the oil and ghee over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, garam masala, and ground coriander. Cook for another minute to release the spices’ aromas.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Add Chicken to the Pan: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and add it to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, red chili powder, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Finish the Sauce

1. Add Cream or Coconut Milk: Stir in the heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
2. Add Fenugreek: Sprinkle the dried fenugreek over the top and mix well.
3. Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with basmati rice, naan bread, or a simple cucumber salad. The creamy sauce complements the fluffy rice, and the naan is perfect for scooping up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy during cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
2. Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight.
3. Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. Add more cayenne for extra heat or reduce it for a milder dish.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and cilantro enhance the dish’s flavors significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	28g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	800mg

FAQs About Butter Chicken

1. Can I Make Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes, Butter Chicken can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.

2. Can I Freeze Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Butter Chicken freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the spices.

4. Is Butter Chicken Gluten-Free?

Yes, this Butter Chicken recipe is gluten-free as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free certified.

5. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

You can use chicken breasts, but they might be less juicy compared to thighs. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

6. How Spicy is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is moderately spiced. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and red chili powder.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow these steps and tips to create a delicious and authentic Butter Chicken dish that will transport your taste buds straight to India.

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