Butter Chicken

My Simple, Yet Amazing, Butter Chicken Recipe

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can be a challenge. But I’ve discovered that even the most complex-sounding dishes can be surprisingly simple to make, and this Butter Chicken recipe is a prime example. It's a weeknight staple in my household, and I'm thrilled to share it with you!

Many people believe that Butter Chicken is a complicated dish, a culinary masterpiece reserved for fancy restaurants or experienced cooks. But I'm here to tell you that's simply not true. This recipe is remarkably straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The creamy, rich sauce is bursting with flavour, and the tender chicken is perfectly cooked every single time.

What makes my recipe so easy? Well, for starters, the marinade is incredibly simple. You won't need a vast array of exotic spices – just a few pantry staples will do. The overnight marinade is key; it allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavour, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender pieces. The cooking process is also minimal, mostly involving simmering until the sauce thickens perfectly.

Why I love this recipe:

• Simplicity: The ingredients are easily accessible, and the steps are straightforward.
• Flavor: The rich, creamy sauce is bursting with flavour – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
• Versatility: It's delicious served with rice, naan bread, or even as a filling for wraps. It's also easily adaptable to your spice preferences.
• Time-saving: The overnight marinade allows for hands-off preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This Butter Chicken recipe has become a regular in my meal rotation, and I hope it will become a favorite in yours too. It’s a dish that's both impressive and easy to master, making it the perfect choice for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a special occasion. The beautiful color and wonderful aroma make it a winner every time.

The ease and deliciousness of this recipe make it a true testament to the fact that complicated doesn't always equal delicious. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding, both in terms of flavor and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare to be amazed by how easy and enjoyable making this Butter Chicken can be. And remember, you can adjust the spice level to your preference – whether you prefer a mild, medium, or a fiery kick.

I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with me. Let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Optional step: for an extra smooth sauce, combine the Marinade ingredients (except the chicken) in a food processor and blend until smooth.
• Combine the Marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours.
• Heat the vegetable oil over high heat in a large fry pan. Take the chicken out of the Marinade but do not wipe or shake off the marinade from the chicken (but don't pour the Marinade left in the bowl into the fry pan).
• Place chicken in the fry pan and cook for around 3 minutes, or until the chicken is white all over (it doesn't really brown because of the Marinade).
• Add the tomato passata, sugar and salt. Turn down to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Do a taste test to see if it needs more salt. Stir through the cream, then remove from heat.
• Garnish with coriander/cilantro leaves if using. Serve with basmati rice.