Butter Chicken Recipe & With Combination

Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the butter chicken sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken on a preheated grill or cook it in a skillet until browned and cooked.

In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute.

Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If using a blender or food processor, be cautious as the sauce will be hot. Return the blended sauce to the pan.

Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the salt to taste.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti.

Best combination with butter chicken:

Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan bread or basmati rice. You can also serve it with jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice) or pulao (fragrant rice cooked with vegetables and spices). Accompany it with a side of raita (yogurt-based condiment) or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy your meal!

Here are a few more suggestions for side dishes and accompaniments to enhance your butter chicken meal:

Naan Bread: Butter chicken and naan bread are a classic combination. You can either make naan bread at home or purchase it from a store. The soft and fluffy bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce.

Basmati Rice: Fragrant and long-grain basmati rice pairs well with butter chicken. Cook it according to the package instructions, and you'll have a delicious and aromatic side to complement the dish.

Jeera Rice: Jeera rice, also known as cumin rice, is another fantastic option. Cook basmati rice as usual and then temper it with cumin seeds sautéed in ghee or butter. It adds a subtle nutty flavor to the meal.

Vegetable Pulao: If you prefer a one-pot meal, vegetable pulao is an excellent choice. Cook basmati rice with a medley of vegetables, spices, and a touch of ghee or oil. The colorful and flavorful rice dish complements the creamy butter chicken.

Raita: Raita is a cooling yogurt-based side dish that balances the flavors of butter chicken. Prepare it by whisking together yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped mint or cilantro, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. It adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad is a light and refreshing accompaniment. Slice cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes. Toss them with lemon juice, salt, and a sprinkle of chaat masala or black pepper for a tangy and crunchy side salad.

Papadums: For an added crunch, serve papadums alongside the butter chicken. These thin and crispy lentil wafers can be roasted or deep-fried until they puff up. They provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy curry.

Mango Chutney: If you enjoy sweet and tangy flavors, mango chutney is a wonderful condiment to serve with butter chicken. Its fruity and spicy taste complements the richness of the dish.

Feel free to mix and match these accompaniments based on your preferences. They add variety and balance to the meal, enhancing your overall dining experience. Enjoy your butter chicken feast!

Here are a few more ideas to continue enhancing your butter chicken meal:

Vegetable Samosas: Serve vegetable samosas as an appetizer or alongside the butter chicken. These crispy, savory pastries filled with spiced vegetables are a popular choice and add a delightful texture to the meal.

Palak Paneer: Another classic Indian dish that pairs well with butter chicken is palak paneer. It consists of creamy spinach cooked with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and aromatic spices. The vibrant green color and creamy texture of the dish complement the butter chicken beautifully.

Aloo Gobi: Aloo gobi, a combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices, is a delicious vegetable side dish that goes well with butter chicken. It adds a tasty and hearty element to the meal.

Tandoori Roti: If you prefer a healthier bread option, tandoori roti is a great choice. It's a whole wheat bread that is baked in a tandoor (clay oven). Its slightly smoky flavor pairs well with the butter chicken.

Mint Chutney: Mint chutney is a versatile condiment that complements the flavors of butter chicken. Made with fresh mint leaves, cilantro, green chilies, and other ingredients, it provides a refreshing and tangy taste.

Onion Salad: Prepare a simple onion salad by thinly slicing onions and marinating them in lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar. This tangy and crunchy salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the butter chicken.

Mango Lassi: To complete your meal, enjoy a refreshing mango lassi. Blend ripe mangoes, yogurt, milk, and a touch of honey or sugar to make a creamy and fruity yogurt-based drink. It acts as a cooling and sweet beverage to balance the spices.

These additional suggestions offer a variety of flavors, textures, and accompaniments to enhance your butter chicken meal. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences to create a memorable dining experience. Enjoy your delicious feast!