Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and energy? Look no further! This KFI Butter Chicken recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying flavors of your favorite Indian takeout, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, quick, and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to coat it with the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:
- Marinate it well: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your butter chicken will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for a healthier and more nutritious meal.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped green chilies for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe provides a healthy balance of protein and flavor, making it a great option for a quick and delicious dinner. Enjoy your homemade KFI Butter Chicken!