Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect served with rice or naan and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Timing

Making Homemade Butter Chicken takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Butter: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken (discard any excess marinade) to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and sugar (if using). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot with basmati rice or naan.

Step 5: Enjoy

1. Dig In: Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Homemade Butter Chicken (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste preference; add fresh green chilies for extra heat.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Homemade Butter Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your home. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy this delightful recipe!