Butter Chicken (halal, no alcohol)

Name: Butter Chicken (halal, no alcohol)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 2 teaspoons garam masala; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

April 9, 2025

Updated:

April 9, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The aroma of spices wafts through the air as you imagine a warm bowl of butter chicken on your dinner table. This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, promising to tantalize your taste buds.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re wrapping up the day while dreaming of comfort food that warms both the heart and soul. Our butter chicken delivers that cozy hug in a bowl.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy butter chicken recipe makes meal prep a breeze with minimal ingredients
The rich flavors appeal to everyone at the table
It’s visually stunning with its vibrant color and garnishes
Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners when you’re craving something extraordinary

My friends can’t get enough of my butter chicken; they always ask for seconds (or thirds) whenever I make it!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your crowd.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic elevates the dish beautifully.
Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for that zingy kick; it adds freshness and warmth.
Canned Tomato Puree: Opt for high-quality puree for rich color and flavor; it’s the base of our sauce.
Cream: Use heavy cream for ultimate richness; half-and-half works in a pinch but lacks that luxurious touch.
Butter: Don’t skimp on quality here; real butter brings depth to the sauce.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): These spices are essential; they create that signature Indian flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet vital; these will enhance all those wonderful flavors.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is the cherry on top; sprinkle it generously for pops of color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate the Chicken: Combine cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and yogurt in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.

Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown and sweet-smelling.

Cook Spices: Stir in cumin and coriander once onions are ready. Let them toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant—trust me; your kitchen will smell divine.

Add Tomato Puree: Pour in canned tomato puree along with garam masala. Simmer this mixture for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly—this is where the magic happens.

Incorporate Cream:Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream gently until fully combined—this will transform your sauce into creamy perfection.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add marinated chicken into the pan. Cook until tender and fully cooked through about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Serve your butter chicken warm over basmati rice or naan bread for an experience that feels like dining out but from the comfort of home!

You Must Know

This butter chicken recipe will fill your kitchen with glorious aromas, tantalizing your taste buds
Use fresh spices for maximum flavor; they make all the difference
Pair it with fluffy naan or basmati rice to soak up that delicious sauce, creating a delightful meal experience

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then simmer in the rich sauce for maximum flavor. Prepare basmati rice or naan while your chicken cooks for an efficient and harmonious meal experience.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for paneer or veggies for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with spices like garam masala or smoked paprika to personalize the flavor profile of your butter chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve restaurant-quality butter chicken, marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavors
Don’t rush the cooking process; let those spices bloom fully
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure perfect balance in flavors

Sharing this butter chicken recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where we’d savor every bite together, laughing and reminiscing about our first attempts at making it—always a bit chaotic but oh-so-fun!

FAQs

FAQ

What is butter chicken made of?

Butter chicken typically consists of marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce.

Can I make butter chicken spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust chili powder or add fresh chilies for extra heat according to your preference.

Is butter chicken halal?

Yes, this butter chicken recipe can be made halal by using halal-certified chicken and avoiding alcohol.

0 Shares