Butter Chicken: An Indulgent Weeknight Delight

This butter chicken recipe is a creamy, savory dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into a delightful experience. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family to enjoy, making it a must-try this week!

The History of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” hails from India and has a rich culinary heritage. It was created in the 1950s by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. They combined leftover chicken with a rich tomato and butter sauce, creating a dish that quickly became a favorite across the globe. Today, butter chicken remains a beloved comfort food, celebrated for its rich flavors and creamy texture.

What Are the Ingredients for Butter Chicken?

Essential Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering butter chicken, gather the following essential ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 3 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions

While the above ingredients are essential, you can customize your butter chicken by using optional ingredients. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. Also, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for an extra nutrient boost!

Should I Use Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk?

Using heavy cream gives butter chicken its signature velvety texture and rich flavor. However, if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, coconut milk works beautifully, infusing the dish with a subtle sweetness and tropical flair.

How to Make Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot

Preparation Steps

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Next, puree the garlic, onion, and ginger in a food processor until smooth. This step builds a flavorful base that enhances the dish.

Cooking Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and butter, melting the butter until bubbly. Stir in the pureed mixture for a minute, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom for extra flavor.

Layer the seasoned chicken, spice mix, and tomato paste without stirring. Close the lid, set the steam release to “sealing,” and cook on HIGH pressure for 12 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release and open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting seasonings to taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave it on “Sauté” for a few minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How Do You Store Butter Chicken?

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep as it reheats beautifully!

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely! You can freeze butter chicken for 4-6 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Related Recipes to Try

• Chicken Shawarma
• Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Honey Sesame Chicken

Conclusion

This butter chicken is a quick and satisfying dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For more culinary inspiration, check out delicious recipes on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

Butter Chicken: An Indulgent Weeknight Delight

This Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• food processor

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 3 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then set aside.
• Puree garlic, onion, and ginger in a food processor until smooth.
• Mix cumin, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a bowl.
• Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’, add olive oil and butter, and melt.
• Add the pureed mixture to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
• Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping any stuck bits.
• Layer chicken thighs, spice mixture, and tomato paste in the pot without stirring.
• Close the lid, set steam release to ‘sealing’, and cook on HIGH for 12 minutes.
• Perform a quick release, open the lid, and switch to ‘Sauté’ mode.
• Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning, and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Notes

To thicken the gravy, use ‘Sauté’ mode for 2-3 minutes or create a cornstarch slurry.

Keyword butter chicken, creamy chicken, Indian butter chicken, weeknight dinner