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To make stovetop butter chicken, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1 cup tomato puree - 1 cup coconut milk - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked basmati rice (for serving) Each ingredient is measured for a perfect balance of flavor. For the chicken, use one pound. The butter should be three tablespoons to ensure richness. One medium onion adds sweetness. You need four cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of ginger for a fragrant base. Use one teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and garam masala for warmth. One teaspoon of turmeric gives color, while cayenne adds heat, so adjust it to your taste. The tomato puree and coconut milk each measure one cup, creating the sauce. Finally, season with salt and garnish with cilantro. Fresh herbs and spices bring bright flavor. For this recipe, fresh ginger is best. It adds a strong kick. Use fresh cilantro for garnish to enhance the dish. Dried spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala are perfect here. They pack a punch and mix well in the sauce. Fresh spices work well in marinades, but dried ones are great for cooking. They give longer-lasting flavor in this stovetop butter chicken. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and easy. You need: - 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup tomato puree - 1 cup coconut milk - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked basmati rice (for serving) Make sure to wash and chop the chicken and veggies. This will save time when you start cooking. 1. Melt Butter: Use a large skillet. Heat the butter over medium heat until it melts. 2. Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion. Cook it until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. 3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a rich aroma. 4. Mix in Spices: Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir well and let it cook for 1 minute. This releases the spice flavors. 5. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces. Stir to coat them in the spices. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. 6. Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This blends the flavors. 7. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Slowly add the coconut milk. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This thickens the sauce and cooks the chicken. 8. Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should be at least 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece. The meat should be white, not pink. When the chicken is cooked, it will feel firm to the touch. Always ensure it's fully cooked for safety. To boost the taste of butter chicken, adjust the spice levels. Start with the basic spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. If you want more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne. For a deeper flavor, try adding a little cinnamon or cardamom. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance for you. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it until it is just browned. If you cook it too long, the chicken can become dry. Another mistake is not letting the spices bloom. Always sauté your spices for a minute before adding other ingredients. This helps release their full flavors. Lastly, don’t skip the salt. A pinch can enhance all the flavors in the dish. To make butter chicken kid-friendly, cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can replace it with a pinch of paprika for color without heat. Also, add more coconut milk to make the sauce creamier and milder. Serve the dish with fluffy basmati rice, which kids often enjoy. Add some fresh cilantro on top, and it looks appealing too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor of your butter chicken significantly. Consider grinding whole spices for maximum taste. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and increase as needed. Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, try using tofu or paneer. Tofu gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it until golden. Paneer adds a creamy bite that blends perfectly with the sauce. Cut it into cubes and add it in the same step as chicken. Both options work great in this dish. You can replace coconut milk for a different creaminess. Greek yogurt is a fantastic choice. It adds tanginess and richness without coconut's sweetness. To use it, mix a cup of Greek yogurt in after the chicken cooks. Make sure to lower the heat first to prevent curdling. Cashew cream is another way to add smoothness. Blend soaked cashews with water until creamy, then stir this in before serving. Adding vegetables makes the dish more colorful and healthy. Spinach is a great choice. Add it just before serving, allowing it to wilt in the sauce. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Slice them and cook with the onions for extra flavor. You can also use peas or carrots for a pop of color. Don’t be afraid to mix in your favorite veggies! Storing your stovetop butter chicken is easy. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store it with the sauce to keep the chicken moist. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it in 30-second intervals until hot. Stir it well to heat evenly. For stovetop, heat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it creamy. Stir often until warm. Freezing butter chicken is simple. Portion it into smaller containers. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy the rich flavors even after freezing! Yes, you can make Butter Chicken ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier! Stovetop Butter Chicken pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked basmati rice - Naan bread - Roti or chapati - Steamed vegetables - Salad with a light dressing Each side will add its unique touch to your meal. You can also drizzle extra sauce over the rice for more flavor. To make Butter Chicken less spicy, you can adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with half or skip it altogether. You can also add more coconut milk to calm the heat. If you like, mix in some Greek yogurt or cream for extra creaminess and mildness. These tweaks will keep your dish flavorful without the spice kick. This blog post provided a clear path to making Butter Chicken. We covered ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. You learned how to check for doneness and shared tips to optimize flavor. I also shared variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. Cooking is fun and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you'll impress your family and friends with a tasty meal. Enjoy your Butter Chicken journey!

Creamy Stovetop Butter Chicken

A rich and flavorful butter chicken made on the stovetop, perfect for serving over rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving cooked basmati rice

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the tomato is well combined with the chicken.
  • Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth. Lower the heat and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  • Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve over basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.
Keyword butter chicken, easy recipe, Indian cuisine, stovetop