How to Make Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that has captivated the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. It's known for its tangy and creamy sauce, tender chicken pieces, and a robust flavor profile enhanced by garlic and aromatic spices. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal.

The primary ingredients needed for making this dish are boneless chicken breasts, butter, garlic, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and cream. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and it yields 4 servings per recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium onions, chopped finely
• 5 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken pieces. Begin by preparing your chicken pieces. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic. In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Stir frequently until the onions turn golden brown and the garlic is fragrant but not burned.

Step 3: Add spices and tomatoes. To the onions and garlic, add grated ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes until the mixture starts to release its aroma. Next, add the pureed tomatoes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or burning. Let this mixture simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine all ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter and salt. When the tomato paste has thickened, fold in the softened butter and mix well until smooth. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and toss them around so they are coated with the sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with cream and garnish. Once your chicken has absorbed most of the flavors, stir in a cup of heavy cream to give it that signature creamy finish. Allow everything to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot over rice or naan bread.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors of your dish. Fresh herbs like coriander (cilantro) can be added at the end, but remember they have a short shelf life and should not be cooked.
• Cooking Temperature: Maintain moderate heat when sautéing garlic and onions; overcooking them will result in bitterness which might ruin your dish. It's crucial to get those perfect golden onions!
• Serve with Steamed Vegetables or Rice: Serve the chicken butter chicken alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or rice for a complete meal.

Variations and Alternatives

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken breasts with vegetable chunks such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. The cooking time remains similar but adjust salt according to taste since vegetables generally require less salt.
• Add Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese): For a richer flavor and texture, consider adding paneer cubes at the end of your cooking process; it will melt into the sauce beautifully!
• Cooking Ahead: You can prepare this dish up to two days in advance. Just refrigerate until ready to serve. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken remains one of those dishes that never disappoints. Its versatile flavors and textures make it suitable for casual dinners as well as special occasions. With a few simple steps, you can master this recipe at home and impress your family or friends with delicious homemade garlic butter chicken.