– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Follow these simple steps to create quick and easy Butter Chicken:
1. Marinate the Chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken pieces with half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of garam masala, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s shiny and bubbling.
3. Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Stir the spices with the onion mixture for about a minute to release their flavors.
6. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce, mixing well. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
8. Creamy Finish: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt as necessary before removing it from the heat.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an added touch of freshness.
This step-by-step process ensures you have a delicious and creamy Butter Chicken that can effortlessly impress everyone at your dinner table.