Indian cuisine is a tantalizing medley of spices, flavors, and textures that has charmed food lovers worldwide.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast eager to recreate authentic dishes or someone who prefers quick meal solutions, this guide has something for you.
Let’s dive into the recipe for a classic favorite: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani).
Along the way, I’ll share some shortcuts and ready-to-cook options to make your cooking journey even smoother.
Why This Time Saving Version Of Butter Chicken?
Well, the blunt answer to that is “TIME“. It does save a lot of time (more on that later).
Furthermore, butter Chicken is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine.
It’s a rich, creamy, tomato-based curry with tender chicken pieces, flavored with a blend of aromatic spices.
The balance of spice and creaminess makes it a universally loved dish, perfect for beginners.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking Indian food, Butter Chicken is a great place to start.
But if you’re short on time, ready-to-cook kits are a lifesaver.
Choose Your Butter Chicken Type/Preferences
Prioritize Time Saving | Prioritize Taste
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Ingredients for Butter Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make Butter Chicken from scratch:
For the Marinade:
- Chicken: One pound of skinless, boneless breasts or thighs.
- Yogurt: ½ cup (plain, unsweetened).
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp.
- Garlic paste: 1 tsp.
- Ginger paste: 1 tsp.
- Turmeric powder: ½ tsp.
- Red chili powder: One teaspoon of red chili powder, or more to taste.
- Garam masala: 1 tsp.
- Salt: ½ tsp.
For the Curry:
- Butter: 2 tbsp.
- Tomatoes: 4 medium, pureed (or 1 cup canned tomato puree).
- Heavy cream: ½ cup.
- Garlic paste: 1 tsp.
- Ginger paste: 1 tsp.
- Green chilies: 2, slit (optional).
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp.
- Cumin powder: 1 tsp.
- Kasuri methi: 1 tsp (dried fenugreek leaves, for authentic flavor).
- Garam masala: 1 tsp.
- Honey or sugar: 1 tsp (to balance acidity).
- Salt: To taste.
Step-by-Step Butter Chicken Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt followed by adding the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well-coated in the marinade.
Refrigerate for at least two hours with a lid on and for optimal effect its best to keep it overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and then drizzle some oil and cook the marinated chicken until it’s golden brown and slightly charred (Set aside).
Step 3: Prepare the Curry Base
Next up, heat butter in a deep pan, add garlic paste, ginger paste, and green chilies followed by sauteing until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate (about 8 to 10 minutes).
To conclude the step 3, add coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked chicken to the curry base, mixing well and pour in heavy cream and a pinch of salt (Cook this for another 5 minutes).
Sprinkle kasuri methi and drizzle honey or sugar to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Accompany your sizzling Butter Chicken with naan bread or basmati rice and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream.
Ready-to-Cook Options for Butter Chicken
While cooking from scratch has its charm, not everyone has the time to source ingredients and prepare an elaborate meal.
That’s where ready-to-cook solutions come to the rescue (Here are a few highly rated choices):
Kitchens of India Butter Chicken Curry Paste
- A concentrated curry paste that lets you skip the base preparation.
- Mix with cooked chicken and cream for a near-authentic taste in minutes.
Asian Gourmet Butter Chicken Masala
- A spice mix designed for Butter Chicken. Just add chicken, tomatoes, and cream.
Aaj Pakao – Butter Chicken + Steamed Rice Meal
- Some meal kits include pre-measured ingredients and easy instructions, making cooking foolproof.
Must-Have Spices and Tools for Indian Cooking
If you’re planning to cook Indian food more often, here are some essentials you’ll want to have in your kitchen:
Spices:
- Turmeric Powder: A mainstay for earthy taste and color.
- Garam Masala: A blend of spices for that quintessential Indian taste.
- Kasuri Methi: Adds an authentic aroma to curries.
- Cumin Seeds: Perfect for tempering oils.
Tools:
- Non-Stick Pan or Skillet: Ideal for grilling chicken or preparing curries.
- Spice Grinder: For freshly ground spices.
- Rice Cooker: A game-changer for perfect basmati rice every time.
Pairing Ideas: The Complete Indian Meal
Sides:
- Garlic Naan: Soft and fluffy, ideal for scooping up the creamy curry. Try ready-made options like Tandoor Chef Garlic Naan.
- Jeera Rice: Rice with a faint cumin flavor.
Beverages:
- Mango Lassi: Sweet and tangy yogurt-based drink to cool your palate.
Dessert:
- Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrup-soaked dumplings. Look for Haldiram’s Gulab Jamun Mix.
Why Ready-to-Cook Butter Chicken Meal Works
Ready-to-cook products are perfect for:
- Hectic weeknights where you have to eat quickly.
- Beginners exploring Indian cuisine without committing to a long ingredient list.
- Gifting to friends who love Indian food but don’t cook often.
By combining ready-to-cook options with fresh accompaniments like naan or salad, you can whip up a meal that tastes as good as takeout.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Butter Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of spices and guarantees a delicious meal.
But for those days when life gets too hectic, ready-to-cook solutions offer a quick and convenient alternative without compromising on flavor.
Whether you choose to make Butter Chicken from scratch or opt for a meal kit, the flavors of Indian cuisine are sure to delight your taste buds.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, grab the recommended products, and bring the magic of India to your table!
Click here to explore the best ready-to-cook meal options on Amazon!
