Butter Chicken

This comforting and flavorful Butter Chicken skips the wine and still delivers all the richness you'd expect from a classic Indian curry. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a velvety tomato-butter sauce, finished with cream and warming spices.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (or paprika for milder heat)

• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste

• 2 cups tomato purée (fresh or canned)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Pan-fry or grill the marinated chicken in a little oil until lightly charred and just cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a deep pan, heat butter and oil. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and golden.

• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

• Add tomato purée, cumin, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and fragrant.

4. Finish the Curry

• Add the cooked chicken and mix well. Let simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes.

• Stir in the cream and crushed kasuri methi (if using). Simmer 2 more minutes.

5. Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro and an optional swirl of cream or extra butter.

Tips:

• For extra creaminess, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of cashew paste.

• Use mild paprika instead of chili powder for a kid-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with naan, roti, or basmati rice. Add cucumber raita or pickled onions on the side for a complete meal.