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Authentic Butter Chicken: Your Creamy Dream

Authentic Butter Chicken: Your Creamy Dream

This butter chicken recipe features a creamy, tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, providing an authentic taste of India.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Thighs skinless and boneless
  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 medium Onions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger grated or minced
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic additional
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder to taste
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi) rubbed between palms before adding

Instructions
 

  • Marinate Chicken: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and garam masala, then coat chicken pieces. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to infuse delicious flavors.
  • Sear Chicken: Melt butter in a hot pan and sear chicken until beautifully golden brown on all sides. Set aside, keeping all those tasty pan drippings.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, gently sauté chopped onions until they soften, then add fresh ginger and garlic until fragrant.
  • Toast Spices: Stir in cumin, turmeric, and chili powder, toasting them for about 30 seconds until their wonderful aromas bloom.
  • Simmer Sauce: Mix in tomato paste and a splash of water or broth, simmering until the sauce thickens into a luscious consistency.
  • Enrich Sauce: Swirl in heavy cream and another knob of butter until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and velvety.
  • Combine & Cook: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Let it simmer gently until cooked through, coated in that silken, flavorful sauce.
  • Finish: Rub dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and stir them in for an authentic, irresistible aroma.

Notes

Use fresh tomatoes or good quality tomato paste for an authentic flavor. Marinate the chicken at least 30 minutes for deeper flavors. Garnish with cilantro for a fresh touch. Cook on low heat to maintain a creamy texture.