Butter Chicken

Explore Butter Chicken recipes with tender chicken, rich tomato gravy, butter, cream, and aromatic Indian spices.

Creamy CurryMain CourseMurgh MakhaniNorth IndianRestaurant Style
Creamy Butter Chicken in rich tomato gravy with Indian spices
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What defines this dish

Cuisine

Indian

Region

North Indian

Meal Type

Dinner

Preference

Non-Vegetarian

Serving ideas

  • Serve with Rice

    Butter Chicken is commonly served over fluffy white rice or basmati rice.

  • Serve with Naan or Roti

    This dish pairs well with Indian flatbreads like naan or roti.

  • Garnish

    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream or a knob of butter.

Flavour profile

Aromatic spices like garam masala, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon are frequently used.

3/5
Spice
5/5
Richness
4/5
Aroma
3/5
Tanginess
3/5
Pepperiness

Common ingredients

  • salt
  • coriander
  • butter
  • garam masala
  • cumin
  • ginger garlic paste
  • cloves
  • cinnamon stick
  • lemon juice
  • oil
  • turmeric
  • water
  • bay leaf
  • black pepper
  • dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi

Common mistakes to avoid

Excessive Tomatoes

Using too much tomato puree or sauce can make the dish excessively sour.

Concerns about Garam Masala Usage

Garam masala is sometimes used too frequently or added at the wrong stage, potentially leading to bitterness.

Incorrect Use of Olive Oil and Cayenne Pepper

Olive oil and cayenne pepper are not typically used in traditional Indian recipes.

Dishes Not Measuring Ingredients

Traditional Indian cooking often does not involve precise measurement of ingredients.

Chicken Type and Preparation

Using chicken breast can lead to overcooking and a poor texture if not handled carefully, whereas dark meat like thighs is often preferred for its juiciness.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make Butter Chicken vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.

How can I add a smoky flavor to Butter Chicken?

Char the cooked chicken pieces slightly under a broiler or on a grill before adding them to the gravy.

Should I remove whole spices before blending the gravy?

It is recommended to remove whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves before grinding the gravy base for a smoother texture.

What can I use instead of a tandoor oven?

A ceramic barbecue or an air fryer can be used as alternatives to a tandoor oven for cooking chicken.

Why are cashews used in Butter Chicken?

Cashews are often used to thicken the sauce when ground, contributing to a rich texture.

What home cooks say

Common questions or issues

  • Chicken Tikka Biryani Misrepresentation8 mentions
    The 'chicken tikka biryani' is specifically called out as an offensive misrepresentation of actual biryani.
  • Butter Chicken with Tomato Sauce4 mentions
    The addition of tomato sauce to butter chicken is repeatedly highlighted as incorrect and surprising.