Butter Chicken
Creamy, flavorful butter chicken with tender chicken pieces in a rich spiced tomato gravy, perfect for fans of Indian cuisine seeking comfort and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the tomatoes and strain out the juice.
- Fry the onion in butter until pale in color.
- Add ginger and garlic paste; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add tomato juice along with all remaining ingredients and cook the gravy over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper and remove the seeds from the green chilies. To enhance the aroma, consider adding a pinch of garam masala at the end. This dish pairs beautifully with Indian Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve butter chicken with warm naan or basmati rice for a complete meal. Adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad can provide a nice balance to the richness of the dish. For an authentic touch, garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving. This dish also pairs well with Biryani Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short bursts.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Chicken contains roughly 828 calories, with 9g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2245mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for added flavor. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer to cook through. You may need to simmer the gravy longer to ensure the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
What can I substitute for pure cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute pure cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt, although this will slightly alter the flavor. For a richer taste, heavy cream is ideal, but adjust the amount to suit your dietary preferences.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you want a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and remove the seeds from the green chilies. Tasting as you go will help you achieve your desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).