What is Butter Chicken?
If you were to ask me what my favorite cuisine is, if I had to narrow it down, I would say Indian food. I love to go out for Indian food and try to do so as often as possible. When ordering take out, Indian food is always at the top of the list. The flavors are delicious, subtle and bold at the same time and soul-satisfying. Butter Chicken is one of the most ordered dishes at most Indian restaurants, and it’s no surprise. It’s creamy, full-flavored and spiced with ginger, coriander and tomato. Frankly, it’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
For many, cooking Indian meals at home might seem impossible, but it’s really not that difficult if you have a selection of Indian spices, like turmeric, coriander, cumin and garam masala. By just remembering to toast these spices in fat before adding the liquid, you’re halfway to success already. Many recipes marinate the chicken ahead of time in a spiced yogurt marinade, but here we just simmer the chicken in heavy cream, making it especially indulgent and much quicker without having to plan for marinating time.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
This dish is so indulgent, in fact, that you won’t want to leave any of the sauce in your bowl or on your plate when you’re finished, so soak it up with some store-bought or homemade naan bread (warmed in your oven or air fryer). Serve it with some basmati rice and a simply prepared vegetable of your choice.
Sooo good! I’ve never even tried Indian food before but this looked so good, I had to make it. I’m so glad I did. I have 3 of your cookbooks and love every recipe I’ve tried of yours. Add this to my faves! Thank you, Meredith!
This is such an easy recipe and the result is fantastic. It is not a spicy (hot) recipe at all. Easy to follow with simple steps and ingredients that I have in my pantry/freezer. Very flavorful. Thank you!
This is a delicious Indian recipe. Not spicy but very flavorful. I think this recipe would even convert people who say they don’t like Indian food. Thank you for a great recipe!
I love this recipe but can’t do heavy cream due to health issues. Could I substitute coconut milk (unsweetened, canned) instead or not.
Hi Barbara. Sure you could use coconut milk instead – just make sure it is not light coconut milk, which would separate.
Wow! I have never had Indian food; I have never used ground coriander or tumeric or garam masala. I knew that if Meredith wrote the recipe, it was bound to be good. It’s spicy but not hot; just extremely flavorful. Great dish!
Made this tonight and it was delicious. I could not find tomato puree, so I used tomato paste. It was a bit bitter, so I added some sugar while simmering. Tasted great.
Delicious not too spicy and flavourful! 🙏
Hi blue Jean chef! I am from Puerto Rico can you kindly explain to me what is Marcela. I have never seen it out here can I substitute it?
Hi Carmen, Garam Masala is a blend of Indian spices that you might find in the spice aisle of your grocery store. If you can’t find it, substitute curry powder.
Very good! So delicious.