Description
This easy Butter Chicken recipe brings the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Indian cuisine into your kitchen with a straightforward method. Using shredded rotisserie chicken and a blend of warming spices like garam masala, curry powder, and cumin, this dish simmers in a luscious tomato and butter sauce finished with heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, serve it over rice or with naan for an authentic experience without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, pressed
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp ginger paste (or 1 tsp dried ground ginger)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (2 large cans)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and melted, add the diced onion and pressed garlic. Sauté them together until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the garam masala, curry powder, ground cumin, and ginger paste. Stir well to combine all of the flavors evenly into the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the tomato and spice mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Optionally, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, creating a silky texture for the curry base.
- Finish with Cream and Chicken: Slowly stir in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated into the sauce. Then add the shredded rotisserie chicken, mixing gently to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but cooked chicken thighs or breasts can be used instead.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the tomato mixture before adding cream and chicken.
- Adjust salt to taste after adding cream as it can mellow the flavors slightly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: butter chicken, easy butter chicken, Indian chicken curry, creamy chicken curry, rotisserie chicken recipe
