Introduction
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of spices and encased in a creamy tomato sauce. This recipe not only focuses on the flavorful marinade and curry sauce but also emphasizes the importance of using the right ingredients to achieve that authentic taste. Whether you’re enjoying this dish on its own or paired with basmati rice and naan, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin removed: 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb (6 pieces)
Butter chicken marinade:
– Plain yoghurt, full fat: 1/2 cup
– Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
– Ginger, finely grated: 1 tbsp
– Garlic, finely grated or crushed: 2 cloves
– Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
– Garam masala: 2 tsp
– Chilli powder (pure, not US blend) or cayenne pepper powder: 1/2 tsp
– Ground cumin: 1 tsp
– Cooking salt / kosher salt: 1/2 tsp
Butter chicken curry sauce:
– Melted ghee or butter: 2 tbsp / 30g
– Tomato passata (US: tomato puree): 1 cup
– Heavy / thickened cream (or regular cream, or coconut milk): 3/4 cup
– White sugar: 1 1/2 tsp
– Cooking salt / kosher salt: 3/4 tsp
Serving:
– Coriander leaves (cilantro), for garnish (optional): 1/2 cup
– Basmati rice or other plain rice: as desired
– Naan: easy – no kneading required!
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes, not including marination time if you choose to enhance the flavors by letting the chicken marinate overnight.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is about 45 minutes. Therefore, the total time for the whole recipe will be around 1 hour, factoring in prep time. This recipe yields six hearty servings, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish that’s sure to impress!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens).
Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger, 2 cloves of finely grated or crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of cooking salt or kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
Coat the Chicken
Add the 1.2 kg (6 pieces) of bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed, to the marinade. Toss the chicken until it is well coated with the marinade. For enhanced flavor, you can let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Sauce
In a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted ghee or butter, 1 cup of tomato passata, 3/4 cup of heavy or thickened cream (or coconut milk), 1 1/2 teaspoons of white sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of cooking salt or kosher salt.
Place the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the baking dish, placing them smooth side up. Use a spatula to scrape any remaining marinade from the bowl and dab it onto the chicken.
Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. During the baking process, baste the chicken with the sauce at the 30-minute and 40-minute marks. You will notice that the sauce changes from pink to a rich orangey-red color, indicating it is thickening.
Serve the Dish
Once the chicken is done baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve the butter chicken over basmati rice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) if desired. Naan bread is recommended for a delicious accompaniment.
Notes
Chicken
It is advisable to remove the skin from the chicken to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Bone-in thighs work best for maintaining juiciness during baking. If using drumsticks, use a bit more than 1.2 kg. For boneless thighs, start by baking the sauce for 20 minutes before adding the chicken, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Breast meat is not recommended due to its leanness; if you choose to use it, cut approximately 650g (1.3lb) into large bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method as boneless thighs.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a spice mix commonly used in Indian cooking and is widely available in grocery stores. It is generally priced similarly to other standard spices.
Ghee
Ghee is clarified butter that is popular in Indian cuisine for its rich flavor. It can be stored in the pantry and does not require refrigeration. You can find it in grocery stores, make your own, or substitute with regular butter.
Tomato Passata
Tomato passata is pureed, strained tomatoes, similar to what is labeled as “tomato puree” in the U.S. It is easily available in many supermarkets and is ideal for creating thick, smooth sauces.
Marinating
While marinating is not essential for this cooking method, allowing the chicken to marinate enhances flavor infusion as it bakes.
Sauce Thickness
If the sauce is not as thick as desired, remove the chicken and return the sauce to the oven to thicken quickly.
Storage
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also assemble the dish in a baking dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day for added convenience.
Cook techniques
Marinating the Chicken
Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for best results, although marinating is optional.
Baking the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, smooth side up. Bake for 45 minutes, basting with sauce at the 30-minute and 40-minute marks to enhance flavor and moisture.
Making the Sauce
Combine the sauce ingredients in a baking dish. The sauce will thicken and develop flavor as the chicken bakes. If the sauce is too thin after baking, return it to the oven without the chicken for quick thickening.
Serving the Dish
Allow the baked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with basmati rice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor. Naan bread is also recommended for an authentic experience.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. Bake the sauce for about 20 minutes first, then add the chicken and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
What is ghee, and can I substitute it?
Ghee is clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking. If you can’t find ghee, you can substitute it with regular butter.
What is tomato passata?
Tomato passata is pureed and strained tomatoes, ideal for making smooth sauces. It may be labeled as “tomato puree” in some regions.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is marinating necessary for this recipe?
No, marinating is not essential as the chicken will absorb flavor while baking. However, marinating can enhance the taste if time allows.
Conclusion
This Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of spices and creamy sauce that elevates the flavor of chicken thighs. The combination of marination, baking, and the right balance of ingredients ensures a dish that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Serve it with basmati rice and naan for a wholesome meal that is sure to please everyone.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tikka Masala
Swap the butter chicken sauce for a tomato-based tikka masala sauce, incorporating similar spices for a slightly different flavor profile.
Vegetable Curry
Replace chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas, using the same marinade and curry sauce for a vegetarian option.
Paneer Butter Masala
Use paneer in place of chicken for a rich and creamy butter masala, maintaining the same preparation method and sauce ingredients.
Spicy Shrimp Curry
Marinate shrimp with similar spices and cook them briefly in the sauce for a quick and flavorful seafood dish.
Chicken Biryani
Combine the marinated chicken with basmati rice, layering them with spices and yogurt before baking for a fragrant one-pot meal.
Coconut Curry Chicken
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk in the sauce for a tropical twist with a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Butter Chicken Pizza
Use the butter chicken mixture as a topping on pizza dough, adding mozzarella cheese and baking for a fusion dish that combines Indian and Italian flavors.
