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:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients to make the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and let sit for at least one hour.
- Pre-heat oven to 200°F.
- Place the chicken cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- 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.
- While the chicken is baking, in large saucepan, melt the butter.
- 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.
- Add the water and sugar and stir to combine. Cover and let cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven if you have not yet done so.
- 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.
- Stir to combine and let cook for another minute.
- Add the cream to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Add almost all the chopped cilantro, leaving some out to sprinkle on top. Add finely chopped chilies to spice it up if desired.