BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE

                                              Butter Chicken

I promise you that all of the flavor of traditional butter chicken is still there, thanks to the amazing collection of spices! Don’t be scared by the list of ingredients; seven of them are just spices, and all the rest are simple, easy-to-find items. 

With the combination of warm, smoky spices in this butter chicken, coconut milk is a natural companion. It mellows and rounds out the flavors while also creating a velvety sauce that coats each tender bite of chicken. It’s so good!

RECIPE AT A GLANCE

Cuisine Inspiration: Indian
Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
Dietary Info: Gluten-free with dairy-free option
Key Flavor: Warmly spiced and buttery
Skill Level: Beginner

SUMMARY

• Authentic-tasting recipe in under an hour: Traditional butter chicken recipes take much longer, but I promise you the combination of spices and one-pan prep make a fantastic, flavorful, and fast butter chicken recipe that rivals the original!  
• Family friendly: An array of spices make this chicken curry so aromatic and delicious–but overall, it’s a very mild curry that’s extremely family friendly.
• Less butter: Restaurant-style butter chicken can contain a large amount of butter, but this healthy butter chicken recipe only calls for a tablespoon–and that’s all it needs!
• Terrific meal-prep recipe: Make this healthy butter chicken ahead of time and refrigerate in divided containers with rice for delicious make-ahead lunches or dinner.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN

              

• Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, cut into ¾-inch chunks. 
• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will both work.
• Olive oil: Introduces some healthy fats and helps with sautéing the aromatics and blooming the spices. 
• Onion, ginger, and garlic: It might be tempting to use dried versions of these ingredients, but I highly recommend you use fresh, which will add much more flavor to the dish than dry will.
• Garam masala: If you can’t find garam masala spice blend, you can make your own blend with one part cumin plus ¼ part allspice. You can also use any combination of coriander, cumin, black peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, and/or nutmeg. 
• Chili powder, mustard seeds, ground coriander, and curry powder: An array of spices brings so much flavor to this easy butter chicken recipe. 
• Tomato paste: Adds an umami note and contributes to the gorgeous orange hue.
• Red curry paste: Thai red curry paste is very easy to find in most grocery stores and adds so much flavor. I recommend a mild red curry paste unless you prefer your butter chicken spicy. 
• Coconut milk: For the creamiest butter chicken, coconut milk that is full fat works best. 
• Salt & pepper: To enhance all of the delicious flavors; adjust to your liking.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY BUTTER CHICKEN

1. Cook the onions in the butter and olive oil until soft and translucent. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened.
2. Add the spices and cook until fragrant, then add the chicken, tomato paste, red curry paste, salt, and pepper. 
3. Stir until the chicken is completely coated with the onion, spices, tomato paste, and red curry paste. 
4. Pour the coconut milk over the chicken and spices.
5. Stir until creamy and the spices are well-distributed.
6. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
   

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST HOMEMADE BUTTER CHICKEN

• Get the rice going before you start the chicken. Let it sit for about 10 minutes after cooking, then remove the lid, fluff it with a fork, and put the lid back on to keep it warm. It will be perfectly cooked and ready to serve when your easy butter chicken is done.
• Serve with fresh naan or flatbread. Homemade butter chicken is even better with warm, buttery flatbread to soak up every last bit of sauce!