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Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Butter Chicken with Fluffy Basmati Rice

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A cozy and comforting Indian butter chicken recipe with a rich, creamy sauce paired perfectly with fluffy basmati rice. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or intimate dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups (480ml) tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • 1.5 cups (300g) basmati rice, rinsed well
  • 3 cups (720ml) water
  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cinnamon stick and toast for 1 minute.
  3. Add rinsed rice, stir to coat grains, pour in water, add a pinch of salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 8 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  6. Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes until spices bloom.
  7. Pour in tomato puree, stir well, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  8. Add marinated chicken pieces to sauce. Stir to coat, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  9. Lower heat, stir in heavy cream gently, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve butter chicken over warm, fluffy basmati rice.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for tenderness. Caramelize onions slowly for natural sweetness. Bloom spices in hot butter for enhanced flavor. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly for fluffy texture. Add cream at the end to keep sauce silky. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian recipe, creamy chicken, basmati rice, easy dinner, comfort food, homemade butter chicken

Find it online: https://evabake.com/indian-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-butter-chicken-with-fluffy-basmati-rice/