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Famous Butter Chicken

Published: Jun 7, 2025 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Embark on a culinary journey that brings the beloved flavors of Indian cuisine directly to your dining table with this incredible Famous Butter Chicken recipe. Each bite promises a magical blend of creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible flavors that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India.

Famous Butter Chicken

This extraordinary dish transforms ordinary chicken into a luxurious meal, combining a perfect harmony of spices, tender meat, and a velvety sauce that has made butter chicken a global sensation. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or a curious food explorer, this recipe will become an instant favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you're craving something truly special, this Famous Butter Chicken offers a delectable experience that satisfies both comfort food lovers and adventurous eaters alike.

Famous Butter Chicken: A Culinary Masterpiece of Flavor

This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a Famous Butter Chicken experience that showcases the incredible depth of Indian cooking. The carefully crafted marinade and rich, creamy sauce transform simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish that's both comforting and exciting.

Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces bathed in a luxurious, spice-infused sauce that's simultaneously creamy, tangy, and absolutely mouth-watering. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Famous Butter Chicken with these perfect accompaniments:

  • Fluffy basmati rice
  • Soft and buttery homemade rolls
  • Warm naan bread
  • Fresh cilantro garnish
  • Cooling raita on the side

Pro Tips for the Perfect Famous Butter Chicken:

Marination Magic: Always marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to maximize flavor absorption.

Spice Sensitivity: Adjust the chili powder to match your heat tolerance while maintaining the dish's authentic flavor profile.

Cream Control: Use full-fat yogurt and heavy cream for the richest, most luxurious sauce.

Butter Brilliance: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish.

Timing is Key: Cook the chicken carefully to ensure it remains tender and juicy.

Famous Butter Chicken

Famous Butter Chicken Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marination)
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Equipment: Large skillet, mixing bowls, measuring spoons

This Famous Butter Chicken brings together the rich culinary tradition of Indian cuisine with the simplicity of home cooking. The combination of carefully selected spices creates a memorable dish that's both exciting and comforting.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-combined marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the most intense flavor, marinate overnight.
  3. When you're ready to cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to develop a light golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade. Cook the chicken until it's beautifully browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and onions. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar, then let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes. The sauce should thicken and become luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.

Ready to Relish!

Garnish the Famous Butter Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving. Plate it hot alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Storage Solutions:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  • Best consumed within 3-4 days
  • Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened
  • Not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this Famous Butter Chicken promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the rich, complex flavors of Indian cuisine.

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Famous Butter Chicken

Famous Butter Chicken

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This Famous Butter Chicken brings together the rich culinary tradition of Indian cuisine with the simplicity of home cooking. The combination of carefully selected spices creates a memorable dish that's both exciting and comforting.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-combined marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the most intense flavor, marinate overnight.
  3. When you're ready to cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to develop a light golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade. Cook the chicken until it's beautifully browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and onions. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar, then let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes. The sauce should thicken and become luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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