BUTTER CHICKEN

Butter Chicken

Huw Jones/StockFood Creative/Getty Images

·         40 mins

·         Prep: 20 mins,

·         Cook: 20 mins

·         Yield: Serves 4-6

(35)

You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to make this rich and delicious Indian main dish recipe; just cook it a bit longer. It's called 'Butter Chicken' even though there isn't a lot of butter in the dish because the chicken is tender and buttery. This recipe is a classic in Indian cooking.

The dish is really quite mild. If you like curry powder, you can double the amount called for in the ingredient list. Add some turmeric or dry ginger if you'd like for more color and flavor.

Serve this recipe over hot cooked basmati rice to soak up the wonderful sauce. A crisp green salad or a fruit salad are good accompaniments. 

What You'll Need

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
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• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
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• 2 teaspoons curry powder
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• 1 onion, thinly sliced
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• 3 cloves garlic, minced
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• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger root
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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
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• 1 tablespoon butter
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• 1 tablespoon curry powder
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• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
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• 1/2 teaspoon salt
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• 2 cups tomato puree
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• 2 tablespoons butter
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• 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk 

How to Make It

In a medium bowl, place the chicken pieces and sprinkle with lemon juice, olive oil, and 2 teaspoons curry powder. Toss to coat the chicken and set aside.

In a heavy skillet, cook onion, garlic, and ginger in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon curry powder, pepper, salt, tomato puree, and 2 tablespoons butter and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir the marinated chicken pieces into the sauce in the skillet. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 11-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F as tested with a meat thermometer. Stir in heavy cream or milk and serve Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice (basmati, if you can!).

And season to taste. No recipe can be all things to all people. If you like mild dishes, reduce the curry powder. If you like it spicy, add more curry powder and think about adding jalapeno peppers or habanero peppers.