I didn’t grow up eating Butter Chicken and I’m not convinced that it’s a traditional Indian dish but regardless, I have created the best damn Butter Chicken recipe in town!

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” cubes
  • 2 tsp garlic puree
  • 2 tsp ginger puree
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt

For the sauce:

  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • ¼ cup crushed tomato
  • 1 tsp garlic puree
  • 1 tsp ginger puree
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup cream (18% M.F.)
  • ½ tsp Methi leaves (optional)*
  • ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • Chopped fresh green or red chilies (optional)

*I don’t use Methi leaves but consider using this ingredient if you are seeking a more authentic and deeper flavor.

 

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients to make the marinade.  Add the chicken pieces and let sit for at least one hour.

 

  1. Pre-heat oven to 200°F.

 

  1. Place the chicken cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

 

  1. Bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes. The chicken will be juicy, tender and almost cooked or just cooked. Note: Do not overcook or the chicken will dry out.

 

  1. While the chicken is baking, in large saucepan, melt the butter.

 

  1. Add the crushed tomato, garlic puree, ginger puree, garam masala, turmeric and red chili powder. Stir to combine and continue to cook for a couple of minutes to let the flavours come together and for the curry to dry up slightly.

 

  1. Add the water and sugar and stir to combine. Cover and let cook for about 5 minutes.

 

  1. Remove the chicken from the oven if you have not yet done so.

 

  1. Place each piece of chicken from the baking sheet into the curry. Note: Do note pour the juices from the baking sheet into the saucepan.

 

  1. Stir to combine and let cook for another minute.

 

  1. Add the cream to the saucepan and stir to combine.

 

  1. Add almost all the chopped cilantro, leaving some out to sprinkle on top. Add finely chopped chilies to spice it up if desired.