– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– ½ teaspoon cumin powder
– ½ teaspoon coriander powder
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Creating the amazing Best Butter Chicken is a straightforward process that you can master easily. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (or overnight for better flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onions until fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Blend the Sauce: For a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce (optional). This ensures a velvety texture.
6. Incorporate the Cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, mixing to coat the pieces evenly. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
These steps will lead you to create the best version of this beloved dish with incredible ease!