How to Prepare Butter Chicken the Indian Way – A Detailed Guide

Butter Chicken is one of the most famous Indian dishes, packed with rich flavors and a deliciously creamy texture. It is made by marinating and grilling chicken before cooking it in a buttery, creamy tomato sauce with a balanced blend of spices and mild heat. This recipe will take you on a journey of flavors like no other! All you need is basmati rice or fresh naan bread to enjoy this luxurious sauce.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is a classic dish consisting of marinated and grilled chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery, and creamy tomato sauce. This dish is known for its smooth texture and deep buttery flavor. While Chicken Tikka Masala contains onions and has a stronger spice profile due to the use of more spices and oil instead of butter, Butter Chicken remains mild yet incredibly flavorful.

The Secret to Authentic Butter Chicken Flavor

The unique taste of Butter Chicken comes from grilling the marinated chicken in a traditional tandoor oven. The chicken is marinated in a blend of Greek yogurt and aromatic spices, making it tender and juicy after grilling. Once grilled, the chicken is cooked in a tomato-based sauce infused with butter and cream for an irresistible flavor. Since most people don’t have a tandoor oven at home, the chicken can be cooked in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven, or on a grill. In this recipe, we will prepare it using a pan, but feel free to experiment with other cooking methods to suit your preferences.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Tomatoes

For a well-balanced flavor, it’s best to use fresh, ripe tomatoes with a naturally sweet and meaty texture. However, you can substitute them with:

• 1 cup (8 oz) of canned tomato purée
• ⅓ cup of concentrated tomato paste
• 14 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes

If you need a stronger tomato flavor, add a little tomato paste at the end.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and help it absorb the flavors. If you use regular yogurt, it may release excess water during cooking, reducing the marinade’s effectiveness.

3. Essential Spices

• Garam Masala: Use high-quality garam masala for a rich flavor. You can make it at home or buy it from the store. It typically contains cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Adds a vibrant color and mild heat. It can be substituted with paprika.
• Coriander and Cumin Powder: Help balance the flavors.
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Gives a distinct flavor. There is no perfect substitute, but you can skip it if unavailable.
• Cashews: Add a smooth, creamy texture and act as a natural thickener for the sauce. You can substitute with ground almonds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

For this recipe, you will need 500g of chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are preferred for their tenderness). It is best to marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours for optimal flavor, but you can extend it up to 48 hours for even better results.

Marinade Ingredients:

• ¾ to 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ to ⅓ tsp salt
• ½ to ¾ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika)
• ¾ to 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
• ⅛ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ¾ to 1 tbsp oil
• ¾ tbsp minced ginger and garlic
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or strained yogurt

Marination Steps:

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then mix it with lemon juice, salt, and chili powder. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Sauce

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• ¾ tbsp minced ginger and garlic
• 1-2 chopped green chilies (optional)
• 1-2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1-1½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1-1½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi)
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 600g chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 cup tomato purée
• 28 cashews (or ¼ cup heavy cream as an alternative)
• 1½ cups hot water

Sauce Preparation Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pan, then add the whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves) and sauté for a minute.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chilies, followed by the red chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin powder. Stir quickly.
3. Add the tomatoes, cashews, and hot water, then cook until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes are completely soft.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth, then return it to the pan. Add dried fenugreek leaves, salt, and sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Add It to the Sauce

1. Heat a pan with a little oil and grill the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides.
2. Once cooked, cut the chicken into pieces and add it to the butter sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Add heavy cream and an extra spoonful of butter for extra richness. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

The butter chicken is served with Basmati rice, nan bread, or Roti, and a side salad such as the Rita salad can be added to obtain an integrated Indian experience.

Now that you’ve learned how to make authentic Butter Chicken, are you ready to try it from our restaurant, Tawabel India, or will you cook it yourself—or maybe both?