Scratch-Cook Butter Chicken Recipe

Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (see note at end for vegetarian option)

Learn how to make Butter Chicken from scratch with this authentic recipe! Tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt and Indian spices, then cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. This scratch-made Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors, offering a homemade taste of Indian cuisine. Serve with basmati rice or naan for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

Prep time: 15 mins; Cook time: 20-30 mins; Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS FOR MARINATING BUTTER CHICKEN:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in 1" cubes) - 1 1/2 LBs
  • Cooking oil - 2 Tbsp
  • Peeled and chopped garlic - 2-3 cloves
  • Salt (as per taste) - 1/2 to 1 tsp
  • Flavor Temptations Butter Chicken Spice Mix (contains 5 flavor blends) - 1

STEPS TO MARINATE & BAKE TRADITIONAL BUTTER CHICKEN:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375 deg F
  2. In a small bowl, mix together chicken cubes, oil, garlic, salt and Blend #5 (Marinade mix), coating chicken pieces evenly
  3. Spread chicken cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until chicken cubes are no longer pink on the inside. Cover and keep aside

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE FLAVORFUL BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE:

  • Finely chopped onions - 1 cup
  • Diced tomatoes - 2 cups
  • Ginger - 2"
  • Butter- 1 cup
  • Heavy cream / half & half (optional) - 2/3 cup
  • Salt to taste -1- 1.5 tsp
  • Chopped cilantro (optional) - 6-8 stems 

STEPS TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE:

  1. In a pan, melt butter, add Blend #1 (Seeds) and step back to allow seeds to burst and sputter, releasing their flavors
  2. Add onions and cook for 6-8 mins on medium heat until soft and caramelized
  3. Add ginger and Blend #2 (Powders) and cook until well blended
  4. Stir in tomato puree, heavy cream and salt
  5. Mix in Blend #3 (Cayenne) adjusting to preferred spice level: (Hot: add all of it; Medium: add half of it; Mild: do not add any)
  1. Cover and cook sauce on medium heat. As sauce thickens, reduce heat to gently simmer the sauce uncovered, stirring occasionally
  2. Add Blend #4 (Garam Masala) and baked chicken cubes to the simmering sauce and continue to gently simmer it, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick
  3. Garnish with chopped cilantro(optional)

            SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR TRADITIONAL BUTTER CHICKEN:

    Serve hot over bed of long-grained or naan bread

    NOTE: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.