Description
Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy (plant-based) tomato and spice sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and aromatic spices, delivering bold flavors and a luscious texture perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 500g chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (natural)
Sauce
- 400g tomato puree
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1/2 cup creamy (plant-based) alternative
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- A drizzle of creamy (plant-based) alternative
- Lemon or lime wedges, optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with turmeric, garam masala, paprika, ginger-garlic paste (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste (natural) and cook until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add tomato puree, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the spice blend (turmeric, paprika, garam masala, coriander, cumin) to the pan. Stir to combine and cook on low heat, adding the natural gelling agent, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Creamy (Plant-Based) Touch: Stir in the creamy (plant-based) alternative. Simmer for another 5 minutes to blend all flavors and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for enhanced flavor and aroma.
- Take time to caramelize onions to develop a rich, sweet base.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken juicy and deepen sauce color.
- Add creamy (plant-based) ingredients at the end to maintain silky texture.
- Use the natural gelling agent carefully to thicken sauce without overpowering spices.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: butter chicken, plant-based butter chicken, Indian recipe, creamy tomato chicken, easy Indian dinner, spicy chicken curry
