Craving a comforting dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas? This Easy Stovetop Butter Chicken with Garlic recipe is a must-try. With tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, it brings a taste of Indian flair straight to your stovetop. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
Steps
- Begin by prepping the chicken breasts. It’s easier to cut them into cubes if they’re slightly frozen, so consider placing them in the freezer for about an hour before starting.
- In a lidded pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until they’re fragrant. Then add butter, stock, tomato paste, and all the spices to create the base of the butter chicken sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken to the pan, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the cream and a splash of lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve your butter chicken with steamed basmati rice and warm naan, if available, for a complete meal experience.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salted butter
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Garam Masala
- Turmeric
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk as a substitute)
- Olive oil
- Yellow onions (or sweet onions as an alternative)
- Chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- Tomato paste
- Lemon juice
FAQ
- Is Butter Chicken an Authentic Indian Dish?
- Yes, butter chicken is a genuine Indian recipe, though it’s relatively recent. It was created at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi during the 1950s. Despite its young age, it has quickly become a worldwide favorite. The savory, spiced tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces have earned it a place as a staple in Indian cuisine.
- What Ingredients Are Essential for Butter Chicken?
- Key ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breast, salted butter, spices such as cinnamon, cumin, Garam Masala, and turmeric, as well as fresh garlic and ginger. Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk, olive oil, onions, chicken or vegetable stock, tomato paste, and a splash of lemon juice are also necessary for crafting the rich and flavorful sauce.
- How Do You Prepare Butter Chicken at Home?
- Begin by prepping the chicken breasts, which are easier to cube if slightly frozen. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add butter, stock, tomato paste, and spices to create the sauce base. Add chicken and let it simmer covered until cooked. Stir in cream and lemon juice, simmer briefly, and serve with basmati rice and naan.
- Can Butter Chicken Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
- Yes, butter chicken can be adapted for a slow cooker. Use the same ingredients and follow a similar preparation method. The slow cooker version allows you to set it and forget it, making it an excellent option for busy days.
- What Can Be Served with Butter Chicken?
- Butter chicken pairs well with various sides such as fresh homemade raita, white rice, store-bought naan or flatbread, and Indian pickles. These accompaniments complement the rich flavors of the dish and enhance the dining experience.
- Where Can I Find More Indian-inspired Recipes?
- For further culinary inspiration, follow The Modern Proper on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. They also offer a cookbook with more delightful recipes.
Tips
- Pre-freeze Chicken for Easier Cutting: To make slicing chicken breasts into cubes easier, try placing them in the freezer for about an hour before you begin cooking.
- Utilize a Microplane for Fresh Ingredients: For the freshest flavors, use a microplane grater when preparing ginger and garlic. This method ensures that these key ingredients are finely grated and mix seamlessly into the sauce.
- Choose Your Cream Wisely: While heavy cream is traditional, substituting it with full-fat coconut milk can provide a different flavor profile, and is a great option if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Brighten with Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the lemon juice! It adds a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
Equipment
- Microplane grater (for grating ginger and garlic)
- Lidded pan (if you don’t already have one suitable for simmering on the stovetop)