Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Indian cuisine is spread widely around the whole world. The use of a variety of spices and herbs is characteristic – cinnamon, curry, saffron, cardamom, coriander, anise, coconut, nutmeg, anise, turmeric…

40% of the Indian population is vegetarian – this is entirely due to religion. Buddhism is one of the main religions in the country, and according to its teachings, human existence is a series of reincarnations. Behaviour in a given life determines the next rebirth in a higher or lower being. That is why it is possible for every animal to have a human soul. This is also the reason why such a large percentage of the population is following a vegetarian diet that includes traditional Indian bread, nuts, fruits, vegetables, rice, chickpeas, all sorts of lentils, spinach, potatoes and more. And those who eat meat, most often eat lamb and chicken.

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe can be made mild or very hot (we like any degree of spiciness), or even without any chilli, everything is according to the chef’s preference.

Ingredients for 4 portions Butter Chicken:

Ingredients for the chicken marinade:

• 800 g chicken breasts
• 150 g yoghurt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 ginger root (around 2 cm long)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp powdered cardamom
• 1 tsp curry spice
• 1 tsp hot curry spice
• 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes

Ingredients for the butter chicken sauce:

• 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 150 ml single cream
• 40 g butter
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 1 ginger root (around 2 cm long)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp powdered cardamom
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 1 tsp curry spice
• 1 tsp hot curry spice
• 1 tsp salt

Preparation:

1. Dice the chicken breasts. Peel the garlic cloves and chop them and the ginger root finely.
2. Put the chicken into a tupperware box. Mix in the yoghurt, garlic, ginger and spices until all chicken pieces are well covered. Put the lid on and place in the fridge for at least an hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°С. Transfer the chicken into a baking tray and bake for about 25 minutes.
4. Put 20 g butter into a deep frying pan. Heat it until it melts, and add the chopped tomatoes.
5. Stir in the garlic, ginger, honey, spices and cream.
6. Take the chicken out of the oven and remove any excessive liquid if any. Put the chicken into the tomato sauce and leave it to simmer for 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and stir. Serve into bowls.

Bon appetit!

Tip: Serve your Butter Chicken with rice and naan bread.