Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe: A Restaurant Style Delight

Butter chicken is a classic dish that many of us love to order at restaurants, and now you can make it at home! This rich and creamy dish combines perfectly marinated chicken with a luxurious gravy, all cooked in one pot for easy preparation.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken pieces
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 100g cashew nuts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon malt vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• 100ml fresh cream

Step-by-Step Method

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Pan-Frying the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until they are cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to another bowl.
3. Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, add a bit more oil and a spoonful of butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cashews: Once the onions are ready, add the chopped tomatoes and cashew nuts. Mix well.
5. Season the Mixture: Add salt, malt vinegar, sugar, garam masala, and red chili powder to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly.
6. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes until softened. Then, blend it into a fine paste.
7. Strain: Strain the blended mixture to remove seeds and skins, returning the smooth gravy back to the pan.
8. Combine Ingredients: Reheat the strained gravy, then add in the butter, fresh cream, dried fenugreek leaves, and cooked chicken. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Cooking Tips & Variations

• You can substitute cream with yogurt for a lighter version.
• Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red chili powder.
• For extra richness, add khoya or condensed milk to the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve butter chicken with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
• Garnish with fresh cream and a sprinkle of coriander leaves for an elegant touch.

Storage Instructions

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 20g

FAQs

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, boneless chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

Q2: Is butter chicken spicy?
A2: The spice level can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A3: Yes, adding bell peppers or peas can enhance the dish and provide extra nutrition.