Butter Chicken in Creamy Tomato Sauce

This delightful dish of butter chicken in creamy tomato sauce brings the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine to your dining table. With tender, marinated chicken pieces enveloped by a luscious tomato and cream sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings, offering warmth and comfort in every bite. The dish is enhanced with aromatic spices that provide an authentic taste, while the creamy texture adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. It pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a versatile meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The spices can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to make it as mild or as spicy as you like. You'll find that this butter chicken is not only delicious but also satisfying, leaving you looking forward to your next serving. Dive into the world of creamy, spiced chicken that captures the essence of traditional Indian cooking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

600 g chicken fillets
230 g tomato sauce or tomato paste
200 g heavy cream (30%)
30 g ghee butter
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

Marinade

120 g natural yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garam masala spices
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation Time

Total time: 200 minutes (3 hours marinating, approx. 20 minutes cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken fillets into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Create the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours; for best results, marinate overnight.
Melt the Ghee: Heat ghee butter in a pan over medium heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.
Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine with the chicken.
Incorporate Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
Simmer: Add salt and pepper to taste, then let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot over a bed of rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips

Substitution for Garam Masala: If you don't have garam masala, mix cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg for a similar flavor profile.
Cream Consistency: Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce, or Greek yogurt for a healthier variant.
Marinating Tips: Longer marination enhances flavor, but if you're short on time, try to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Nutritions (per serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 38 g
Carbs: 10 g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for an authentic experience.
Pair with a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance the rich flavors.

Best Places

Bukhara - Renowned for its exquisite North Indian cuisine. Location: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi, India.
Dishoom - A Bombay-style café that offers excellent Indian dishes. Location: 22 Kingly Street, London, UK.
The Table - A modern Indian restaurant with a diverse menu. Location: The Gateway Hotel, 4B, Ballard Estate, Mumbai, India.
Rasika - Offers contemporary and traditional Indian cuisine. Location: 633 D Street, Washington, D.C., USA.
Gymkhana - Celebrated for its flavorsome contemporary Indian food. Location: 42 Albemarle Street, London, UK.
Indian Accent - Known for its inventive Indian flavors. Location: 77 Hudson, New York, USA.
Moti Mahal - Famous for their butter chicken and tandoori dishes. Location: Daryaganj, New Delhi, India.
Amaya - A high-end Indian restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Location: Halkin Arcade Motcomb Street, London, UK.
Taj Palace - Offers a buffet with a variety of Indian dishes. Location: West Bay, Doha, Qatar.
Gaggan - A leading Indian restaurant with a creative menu. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.