Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your home. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and can be prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken makes it a standout option that will impress anyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it in your slow cooker.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of spices creates a rich, aromatic butter sauce that elevates every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan bread for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients from the vegetables, this dish is good for you without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick weeknight dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe seamlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools help ensure that your cooking process is efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Ideal for slow-cooking the chicken; it helps develop deep flavors as everything simmers together.
• Instant Pot: Great for speeding up the cooking process while still allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

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Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 oz)
• 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece)
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz)

For the Creaminess

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)
• ½ cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces*
• ½ teaspoon fine salt

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

In the bottom of a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker, place and layer the sliced onions.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the boneless chicken, bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker

Add the saucy chicken mixture to the slow cooker over top of the sliced onions.

Step 4: Add Butter

Dot the pieces of butter over the top of the marinated chicken mixture.

Step 5: Cook

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 ½ hours or on low for 6 ½ hours.

Step 6: Finish Up

After cooking time is up, remove the lid. Stir all ingredients until well combined and turn off the slow cooker. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before stirring in yogurt and half-and-half to prevent curdling.

Step 7: Serve

Serve over hot cooked rice or cauliflower rice with naan bread on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.

Enjoy this delicious Indian Butter Chicken Recipe as a comforting meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs!

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving Indian Butter Chicken is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, making each meal special.

Over Rice

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that still provides a great base for the butter chicken, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.

With Naan

• Garlic Naan: Soft and chewy with a touch of garlic, this bread is perfect for scooping up the saucy chicken.
• Butter Naan: Rich and indulgent, butter naan complements the creaminess of the dish perfectly.

Fresh Garnishes

• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the flavors.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the taste and adds a zesty kick to your plate.

How to Perfect Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

To achieve an authentic taste for your Indian Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips. Each step ensures your dish is bursting with flavor and has the perfect texture.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices provide more intense flavors compared to old ones. Make sure your curry powder and garam masala are fresh for optimal results.
• Marinate Longer: If time permits, marinating chicken in yogurt and spices for several hours or overnight enhances flavor penetration.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully; avoid speeding up the process for best results.
• Stir Gently After Cooking: When mixing in yogurt and half-and-half after cooking, stir gently to avoid curdling while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Pairing your Indian Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vegetable Samosas: Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas add crunchy texture to your meal.
2. Aloo Gobi: A flavorful mix of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with turmeric and spices makes a comforting side.
3. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing brings brightness to your plate.
4. Raita: A cooling yogurt sauce mixed with cucumber and mint that balances out the spices in the chicken dish.
5. Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach mixed with paneer offers a rich contrast that complements the butter chicken nicely.
6. Biryani Rice: Aromatic rice cooked with saffron and spices provides an exciting flavor that pairs well with butter chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Indian Butter Chicken at home can be delightful, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for the best results.

• Bold Flavoring: Not using enough spices can lead to a bland dish. Ensure you measure your curry powder and garam masala accurately for a rich flavor.
• Bold Cooling: Adding yogurt before letting the dish cool may cause curdling. Allow the butter chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes before stirring in dairy ingredients.
• Bold Chicken Preparation: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Keep an eye on cooking times in both slow cooker and Instant Pot methods to ensure tender meat.
• Bold Liquid Ratio: Using too little or too much liquid affects consistency. Follow the recipe closely to achieve that perfect creamy sauce.
• Bold Garnishing: Skipping fresh herbs like cilantro can dull the dish’s brightness. Always add fresh garnishes right before serving for a burst of flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

• Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

How can I make my Indian Butter Chicken Recipe spicier?

You can increase the amount of curry powder or add chopped green chilies during cooking for extra heat.

Can I use other meats in this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb for different flavors and textures.

What should I serve with my Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch as well.

Can I make this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Final Thoughts

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spices or adding your favorite vegetables. Give it a try this week for a comforting and flavorful dinner!