Butter Chicken Curry Recipe: Creamy and Delicious
If you're searching for a simple yet flavorful dish, you've come to the right place with this butter chicken curry recipe. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and rich tomato-based sauce suit any culinary skill level.
Surprisingly, just five ingredients—chicken, tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, and garam masala—create a delightful meal. Picture the aroma of garam masala sautéing with melted butter, blending into a dish worthy of your table.
Key Takeaways
- Use boneless chicken thighs for tenderness, combined with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce.
- Essential ingredients include tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, and garam masala for traditional flavors.
- Follow simple steps: brown chicken, add spices, simmer with sauce, then incorporate cream and butter.
- Ensure spices are fully sautéed before liquids for maximum flavor infusion.
- Store leftovers for up to three days; flavors improve overnight, making it even more delicious.
Recipe
Butter chicken curry is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy, and slightly spiced tomato-based sauce. This version distills the essence of traditional butter chicken into a simple, five-ingredient recipe that's perfect for home cooks looking for an easy yet flavorful meal. The key components—chicken, tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, and garam masala—work harmoniously to create a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to enjoy the classic flavors of butter chicken without needing a pantry full of spices. The chicken is cooked until golden brown, then simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce enriched with cream and butter. The result is a luscious curry that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread, making it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 jar (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
To prepare this butter chicken curry, begin by melting half of the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook them until they're golden brown.
Next, sprinkle the garam masala over the chicken, stirring it for about a minute until the spice is fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and the remaining butter. Continue to simmer the curry for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
For optimal results, let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to develop more robustly.
If the sauce appears too thick, a splash of heavy cream or water can be added to achieve the desired consistency. The curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Interestingly, the flavors often enhance overnight as the ingredients meld together, making leftovers even more delicious.
Cooking Steps
Get ready to create a mouthwatering butter chicken curry by starting with melting half the butter in a large pan, where you'll brown the chicken to a perfect golden hue.
As the aroma fills your kitchen, sprinkle in the garam masala, letting it sauté briefly to release its fragrant spices, then pour in the tomato sauce to let the magic happen during a gentle simmer.
Finally, stir in the luscious cream and remaining butter, allowing the curry to rest before serving, ensuring a rich, silky finish that your taste buds will adore.
Step 1. Melt Butter, Brown Chicken
In this initial step of your butter chicken adventure, start by warming up half of your butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Feel the anticipation as the butter melts, releasing its rich aroma.
Once it's bubbling, it's time to add the chicken chunks.
Ensure they're spread out evenly in the pan, allowing each piece to touch the hot surface.
As the chicken browns, you'll notice it transforming into golden, succulent morsels.
Stir occasionally, letting the butter and chicken dance together, creating a savory foundation for your curry.
This step is crucial for locking in flavors and creating tender, juicy bites.
Once the chicken is evenly browned, you'll be ready to move on to the next delicious stage.
Step 2. Add Garam Masala, Sauté Briefly
The chicken is beautifully browned and ready for its aromatic companion. Now's the time to sprinkle in the garam masala, your curry's fragrant heart.
As soon as it hits the pan, you'll be greeted by a warm, earthy aroma that fills your kitchen with an irresistible invitation. Stir the spices well, ensuring they coat every piece of chicken. This brief sauté helps the garam masala release its full flavor, infusing each bite with its exotic essence.
Don't rush this step—let the spices mingle with the chicken for a minute. You'll know it's ready when the scent is robust and mouth-watering.
This simple step elevates your butter chicken, transforming it from good to truly extraordinary. Happy cooking awaits!
Step 3. Simmer With Tomato Sauce
As the spices envelop the chicken, pour in the jar of tomato sauce, letting it cascade over the golden pieces.
Watch as the vibrant red sauce mingles with the spices, creating a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen. Stir the mixture gently, making sure each chicken piece is coated.
Turn the heat to medium-low, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly. This step is crucial, as it lets the flavors meld beautifully, transforming into a rich and savory base for the curry.
Simmer for about 15 minutes, keeping an eye on the pot and occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
This gentle simmering not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the chicken becomes tender and succulent, ready to absorb the creamy goodness in the next step.
Step 4. Incorporate Cream, Remaining Butter
Now's the perfect moment to enrich your curry with a splash of cream and the remaining butter.
Pour in the heavy cream slowly, letting it mingle with the rich tomato sauce, creating a velvety texture that's simply irresistible. As you add the rest of the butter, watch it melt and swirl into the mixture, enhancing the flavor and giving your curry that signature buttery finish.
Stir gently, allowing every ingredient to blend seamlessly. This step transforms your dish into the creamy masterpiece it's meant to be. The butter and cream play a crucial role in balancing the spices, making each bite luxurious and satisfying.
You'll find that this simple addition elevates your curry to restaurant-quality perfection.
Step 5. Rest Curry Before Serving
After enriching your curry with cream and butter, it's important to let it rest before serving. This pause allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer taste and a thicker, more luxurious sauce.
When you give your butter chicken a moment to breathe, the spices settle and the aromas intensify, resulting in a dish that's even more delicious. It also gives the chicken time to absorb all those wonderful flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
As you wait, set the table or prepare a side of warm naan or fluffy rice. Anticipation builds as you notice the sauce transform, its texture achieving a perfect, velvety consistency.
Your patience will be rewarded with a butter chicken experience that's truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Creating butter chicken curry at home is a rewarding experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. This simplified recipe is perfect for when you're craving something rich and satisfying yet manageable.
You'll find joy in watching the sauce thicken and savoring the aroma that fills your home. With just a few key ingredients, you can achieve that beloved creamy texture and flavorful burst that makes butter chicken irresistible.
After trying this recipe, you might feel inspired to explore other Indian dishes or even tweak this one with your favorite spices. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and every attempt enhances your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs!
It'll give your curry a lighter taste while still soaking up all those delicious flavors. Just make sure to cut the breast into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
Be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Keep an eye on them, and you'll have a tender, creamy delight ready to impress everyone
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to This Recipe?
Imagine transforming your favorite butter chicken into a delicious vegetarian treat!
Swap chicken with paneer or tofu, and you'll have a creamy delight that's just as satisfying.
Start by browning the paneer or tofu in butter, just like you'd with chicken.
Add garam masala, tomato sauce, and heavy cream to create that irresistible sauce.
Let it simmer and thicken, then savor the flavors with rice or naan.
Give it a try!
How Can I Make It Spicier?
To spice things up, toss in some chili powder or fresh chopped chilies when you add the garam masala.
For a smoky heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a few teaspoons of hot paprika.
You can also throw in a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper for an extra kick.
Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, and enjoy the fiery twist on your creamy dish!
Can I Freeze the Butter Chicken Curry?
Absolutely, you can freeze butter chicken curry!
Once it's cooled, transfer it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. This delicious dish freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.
This way, you'll have a quick, flavorful meal ready whenever you need it. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can easily substitute heavy cream with a mix of milk and butter to keep that creamy delight!
Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter, and you've got a fantastic stand-in.
Want a lighter option? Use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a unique twist.
These swaps maintain that luxurious texture, so don't worry, your butter chicken will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful!
