For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. Garnish with a swirl of cream for an elegant presentation.
Embark on a culinary journey with this Butter Chicken! Experience the creamy, rich flavors of India in your own kitchen. Tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and cashew-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, creates a symphony of taste that will transport your senses. Perfect with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Prepare: Gather all your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
Spice Symphony: In a small bowl, create your spice blend by combining garam masala, tandoori masala, curry powder, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. (Prep time: ~5 minutes)
Marinate: Place the chicken in a large bowl and coat evenly with half of the prepared spice mixture. (Prep time: ~5 minutes)
Sear the Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. (Cook time: ~10 minutes)
Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the remaining spice mixture, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh ginger. Cook until fragrant. (Cook time: ~6 minutes)
Tomato Infusion: Stir in the tomato puree and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes.
Creamy Dream: Pour in the half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Cashew Velvet: Blend the cashews in a blender until finely ground. Add the sauce to the blender and puree until smooth and velvety. (Prep time: ~5 minutes)
Simmer and Serve: Pour the blended sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro. (Cook time: ~15 minutes)
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. Garnish with a swirl of cream for an elegant presentation.
Angeline Green
May 26, 2025I substituted coconut milk for the half-and-half to make it dairy-free, and it was still delicious!
Skyla Walter
Apr 15, 2025The best butter chicken recipe I've ever tried! The instructions were easy to follow, and the results were restaurant-quality.
Rita Runolfsdottir
Nov 14, 2024The cashew puree makes the sauce incredibly smooth and rich. I highly recommend this recipe!
Elian Shanahan
May 22, 2024I let the chicken marinate overnight, and it was even more flavorful.
Delpha Balistreri
Apr 10, 2024I added a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and it was perfect.
Jaren Heller
Feb 27, 2024I've made this recipe several times, and it always turns out great. My family loves it!
Morton Homenick
Jan 9, 2024I doubled the recipe for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about it.
Denis Wiegand
Dec 29, 2023This recipe is a keeper! I've already shared it with all my friends.
Stacey Jacobi
Dec 21, 2023Absolutely delicious! The spice blend is perfect, and the sauce is so creamy and flavorful.