3 Amazing Tips To Make Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken At Home

Let’s just agree that butter chicken is perhaps one of the most loved chicken curries from the Indian cuisine. I mean, personally the name alone is enough for me to simply drool. No matter how full I might be, an extra bowl of butter chicken can make space for itself in my tummy. No wonder the rich and creamy curry has made it to the menus of some of the most popular restaurants and in the likes of world-renowned chefs. And if you’ve grown up in the northern Indian region of Delhi and Punjab, you would know how it is a revered delicacy amongst chicken lovers. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a spice mix, cooked in a flavourful and creamy tomato curry, served with hot garlic naan- you'll see many chicken lovers tucking in bite after bite. 

As per legend, butter chicken is said to have been discovered in the pre-independent India in a small shop in Peshawar, made to utilise leftover chicken by cooking it in a tomato gravy with butter and cream. Yes, that simple dish went on to become one of the most popular non-vegetarian dishes of all time and a global sensation. And while it sounds easy to make at home, and trust me if you know the recipe, and certain tips and tricks, you can ace it too.  

Here are certain tips and tricks that you can keep in mind while making butter chicken at home: 

1. Thickening The Gravy 

If you thought you can always add a bit of cornstarch to thicken your thin butter chicken gravy, think again. It may just do more wrong than right. All you can do is before adding butter and cream to your gravy, simply put the gravy in refrigerator for a while and it will thicken. Without adding any other ingredient. Yes, thank us later. 

2. Marinate Well

Let’s be honest, the more time you will put in the marination, the more tender your chicken will be. The more flavourful and juicy it will be.  You can go up from 20 minutes to overnight.  

3. The Sauce

Trick to a great butter chicken lies mostly in the sauce. Let the tomatoes cook for at least 10-15 minutes, until they are almost dry on your pan. If you think it dries off early, add in some water. Try to use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, using fresh tomatoes have a chance of burning easily.  

Now here’s a recipe of butter chicken that you can try at home. Cook it up at home with our tips and tricks, and let us know your experience. Don’t forget to pair your butter chicken with some steamed rice or naan.