Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Silky, Aromatic Bliss

Crafting a delectable butter chicken recipe sparks culinary excitement in every home cook’s heart.

Aromas of rich, creamy tomato sauce will dance through your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a blend of yogurt and warm spices.

Generations of indian cuisine have perfected this beloved dish with remarkable skill.

Subtle hints of garam masala and kasuri methi create depth beyond simple flavors.

Smooth, velvety sauce promises comfort in each carefully prepared bite.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this classic north indian delight.

Why Nigella Butter Chicken Is A Creamy Favorite

• Spice Up Family Dinners: This butter chicken transforms ordinary meals into exciting culinary adventures kids and adults will love, packed with vibrant flavors that dance across taste buds.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create restaurant-quality Indian cuisine with simple step-by-step instructions that require minimal professional cooking skills.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Prepare a delicious, hearty dish in less than an hour, perfect for busy families needing nutritious and satisfying dinner options without complicated preparation.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different dietary needs and taste sensitivities.

What Goes In Nigella Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic Indian dish.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy tanginess.
• Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and helps break down the chicken proteins.
• Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the marinade.

• Whole Spices: Cinnamon Stick, Cardamom Pods, Cloves: Provide warm, complex background notes to the sauce.
• Garam Masala: Traditional spice blend that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a gentle heat and vibrant color.
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Brings a unique, slightly bitter herbal flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the dish.

• Passata: Smooth tomato sauce that creates the rich, silky base of the butter chicken.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.

• Oil, Butter: Helps build flavor and create a smooth, rich sauce.

How To Cook Nigella Butter Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, and tandoori masala in a large mixing bowl. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated and let it rest for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Roast Marinated Chicken

Transfer marinated chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15-20 minutes until edges are slightly charred and chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

• Cinnamon stick
• Cardamom pods
• Bay leaves
• Whole cloves

Sauté spices until they release their fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Build Sauce Layers

Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Elements

Pour in tomato puree and crushed tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Season and Blend Sauce

• Salt
• Red chili powder
• Garam masala
• Turmeric powder

Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add roasted chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Gently mix and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Creamy Touch

• Kasuri methi
• Heavy cream
• Honey

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Pro Tips For Nigella Butter Chicken Success

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken sit in yogurt-based marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Spice Precision: Toast whole spices briefly to release their aromatic oils, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Cream Control: Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Methi Magic: Crush kasuri methi between palms before adding to intensify its distinctive, slightly bitter herbal notes.
• Temperature Tip: Rest baked chicken for 5 minutes before adding to sauce to keep meat juicy and prevent overcooking.

Tasty Twists On Nigella Butter Chicken

• Vegan Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and swap butter for plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Butter Chicken: Substitute passata with crushed tomatoes, reduce honey, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a keto-friendly meal.
• Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing spices to develop deeper flavors with minimal effort.
• Instant Pot Variation: Use pressure cook function for faster preparation, reducing cooking time while maintaining the rich, complex taste of traditional butter chicken.

Perfect Pairings With Nigella Butter Chicken

• Pair with Fluffy Basmati Rice: Catch the rich, creamy sauce with soft basmati rice that absorbs every delicious flavor from the butter chicken.
• Select Crisp Naan Bread: Break apart warm, golden naan to scoop up the velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces, creating perfect bites.
• Match with Cooling Raita: Balance the spicy warmth of butter chicken with a refreshing yogurt-based raita that brings a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the dish.
• Choose Robust Indian Lager: Enjoy a cold Kingfisher or Taj Mahal beer that cuts through the richness and complements the complex spices in the butter chicken.

How To Store Nigella Butter Chicken Properly

• Store butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Butter chicken freezes well for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and sauce reaches desired consistency.

FAQ Guide For Nigella Butter Chicken

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavors deep into the chicken, and ensures a more juicy and flavorful result.

• What's the purpose of whole spices in the sauce?

Whole spices release their essential oils and provide a rich, aromatic base that creates depth and complexity in the butter chicken sauce.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can easily control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder to suit your personal taste preference.

• Is kasuri methi necessary for the recipe?

While not mandatory, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) adds a unique, slightly bitter and nutty flavor that’s characteristic of authentic butter chicken, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Indian butter chicken delivers a rich, aromatic journey through classic North Indian cuisine. Tender marinated chicken bathes in a luxurious tomato-cream sauce, promising a perfect blend of spices and comfort that will transport you straight to a Mumbai kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder
• 2 cloves of garlic (grated)
• 2.12 centimeters (0.83 inches) piece of fresh ginger (peeled and grated)

Sauce and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 50 grams (1.76 ounces) salted butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 cloves of garlic (grated)
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) tomato passata
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 teaspoon clear honey
• 1 tablespoon double cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 220C (425F) for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Combine chicken pieces thoroughly with marinade components directly in a roasting tin, ensuring complete coating.
3. Roast chicken for precisely 10 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden.
4. In a separate pan, heat oil and butter together, then introduce whole aromatic spices and sauté until releasing intense fragrance.
5. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until softened and releasing its essence.
6. Pour passata into the spice mixture, cover the pan, and allow gentle simmering for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
7. Season sauce with salt, chilli powder, and garam masala, then carefully fold in roasted chicken pieces. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Finish the dish by stirring in kasuri methi for herbal notes, drizzle honey for subtle sweetness, and swirl cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally 4-8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder to suit personal heat tolerance.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat compared to chicken breasts.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains a rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg