Express Butter Chicken

Name: Express Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 cup tomato purée; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (crushed)

30 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Express Butter Chicken

A quick and delightful version of butter chicken with tender, spiced chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Butter Chicken, or 'Poulet au Beurre', is a beloved dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces. This express version brings all the goodness of traditional butter chicken but in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this aromatic and flavourful dish, ideal for impressing family or guests with minimal effort. The use of simple, readily available ingredients ensures that you can whip up this classic anytime the craving strikes.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken

Marinade

Sauce

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Marinating gives the chicken a deeper flavour and tenderness.

Prepare the sauce base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the onions don't brown to maintain a smooth sauce.

Add aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Pro tip: Garlic and ginger should only be cooked until aromatic to avoid bitterness.

Cook the chicken

Add marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is slightly browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Simmer the sauce

Pour in the tomato purée, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and crushed fenugreek leaves. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Simmering allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Finish and serve

Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Pro tip: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking.</li><li>Adjust the spice level to your taste by varying the amount of chili powder.</li><li>For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream just before serving.</li><li>Serve with naan or basmati rice for a complete meal.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Express Butter Chicken with warm naan bread or a bowl of fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a cucumber raita or a simple green salad. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days, then combine and reheat gently before serving.