This simple Indian Butter Chicken Masala Curry recipe is an easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for entertaining guests. This restaurant-style, Indian-inspired dish is full of bold and spicy flavors that will satisfy any palate.
Have you ever tried Indian Butter Chicken?
Do you wonder what makes Indian Butter Chicken so creamy and delicious? I used to have the same curiosity whenever I had this dish before getting married. I say before my marriage because my father-in-law used to run the kitchen of our family hotel in his town. He is also a great home chef and I learned this recipe from him. That’s why we call it Restaurant-Style Indian Butter Chicken Masala Curry. This authentic butter chicken recipe is prepared almost every time our family gets together.
An authentic Indian-inspired dish!
Today I am sharing with you our family’s favorite recipe because my father-in-law has given his permission to let the world know his secrets behind this delicious delicacy. I am sure you will love this chicken masala curry recipe because it is full of flavor, creamy, and so delicious. It’s tempting and satisfying all at the same time!
The simplest curry recipe you’ll ever make!
Making Restaurant-Style Indian Butter Chicken Masala Curry is really simple. It is essentially a two-step process. First marinate the chicken with some yogurt, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Then sauté the marinated chicken in a frying pan until all the water dries out. Next, prepare the creamy sauce made from finely chopped onion and tomato purée. For the creamy texture, I have added a paste prepared using cashews, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and coconut flakes. Serve this butter chicken with naan bread and veg biryani on the table to please the crowd. Or simply pair it with plain white rice for a quick weeknight meal. To complement the dish, add homemade mango lassi to the menu!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tsp red chili powder (Save $1.00 with this coupon)
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (Save $1.00 with this coupon)
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp coconut flakes
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup water (plus 1/2 cup for soaking cashews)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a small bowl add cashews, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, and poppy seeds. Then add 1/2 cup water and soak the mixture for at least 1 hour. Blend the mixture along with water in a blender until it gets to a creamy texture.
- In a mixing bowl add chicken, yogurt, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and keep in the refrigerator to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes.
- Purée tomatoes in a blender with fresh garlic and ginger and set it aside.
- Heat butter in a frying pan on medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook it on medium to high heat for 5-6 minutes or until almost all water evaporates. Then take out the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter, onion and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add tomato purée, tomato paste, and cook the mixture for 10-12 minute or until almost all water evaporates and raw taste disappears. Stir frequently to avoid mixture sticking to the pan.
- Then add cashew blend mixture, water, and bring to boil.
- Add cooked chicken, garam masala, and mix well. Adjust salt if necessary. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm with naan bread or rice.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. The base sauce even tastes better when cooked on low heat for a longer amount of time.
We hope you love this Indian Butter Chicken Masala Curry recipe from SoFabFood Home Chef, Swati from Watch What U Eat, as much as we do. If you enjoyed this one-pan meal, be sure to stop by our 30-Minute Meals Section to find more like it. Don’t forget to clip the coupons before heading out to the store so that you can save money while making this impressive Indian-style dish!
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