Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so divine, it feels like a little secret between you and the universe? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is exactly that—an unexpectedly delightful twist, like finding a hidden gem in an old thrift store. It’s like the culinary version of a cozy sweater, wrapping you in rich, garlicky goodness with every bite, perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort and a touch of magic in your meal.
Steps
- Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces and keep them aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic and ginger.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the hot butter and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, then add garam masala and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, and stir until well mixed. Return the browned chicken to the pot, cover, and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about an hour until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare the rice. In a medium pot, combine 1.5 cups of rice with 2.25 cups of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered until serving time.
- Once the chicken has simmered and is tender, optionally break it into smaller pieces. Stir in the plain yogurt to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the prepared rice, garnishing with cilantro if desired. Enjoy with naan for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs. (about 2 large) chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 1/4 cups water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2354.92kcal | Carbohydrates: 288.9g | Protein: 163.08g | Fat: 59.7g | Sodium: 3163.68mg | Fiber: 16.68g
FAQ
- What is Garam Masala, and can I make it at home?
- Garam masala is a blend of warm spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, crucial for this recipe. Though it can be pricey at regular stores, you can find it cheaper at ethnic grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make your own blend at home using a recipe from Swasthi’s Recipes, which also provides more insights into this spice blend.
- How can I save money when buying chicken for this recipe?
- To save money on chicken, buy boneless, skinless breasts in value packs, which often cost less per pound. It’s also a good idea to shop during sales. Once home, divide the chicken into smaller portions and freeze them for future use.
- Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They are usually cheaper and, as dark meat, tend to be more tender and flavorful.
- What kind of rice is best for serving with Not Butter Chicken?
- Aromatic rice such as jasmine or basmati is recommended. These types of rice complement the flavors of the dish well. You can often find them in bulk at a good price in the ethnic aisle of grocery stores.
- Are there any authentic butter chicken recipes you recommend?
- Yes, if you’re interested in trying authentic butter chicken, consider recipes from Swasthi’s Recipes, Vijaya Selvaraju on YouTube, The Bombay Chef on YouTube, Love Laugh Mirch, and Shinta Simon. These sources offer a rich cultural and historical perspective on this classic dish.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, have your onion, garlic, and ginger chopped and ready to go. The initial steps of the recipe come together quickly, so having everything prepped will help ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Utilize Ethnic Grocery Stores for Spices: Garam masala is crucial for authentic flavor in this dish, but it can be expensive in regular grocery stores. Check out ethnic grocery stores for more affordable options or consider making your own blend at home.
- Budget-Friendly Chicken Options: To save on costs, purchase chicken in bulk value packs. Once home, divide the chicken into smaller portions and freeze them for future use. This method not only saves money but also provides convenient serving sizes for recipes like this one.
- Choose Aromatic Rice: Use aromatic rice like jasmine or basmati to complement the flavors of the dish. Buying in bulk or checking the ethnic aisle of your grocery store may offer better prices.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the chicken and tomato mixture.
- Medium Pot: Needed for cooking the rice.
- Garlic Press or Garlic Mincer: Useful for mincing garlic quickly.
- Ginger Grater: Handy for grating fresh ginger.
- Spice Grinder: If you plan to make your own garam masala from whole spices.
- Chef’s Knife: A good quality knife for chopping onions and chicken.
- Cutting Board: For preparing the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger.
