9 tips for making the perfect butter chicken at home, according to a Michelin-starred chef
Marinate the Chicken Properly
Use yogurt, ginger, garlic, spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala for at least 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
Use Bone-in Chicken
Bone-in chicken retains moisture and flavor better than boneless cuts, resulting in juicier meat.
Char the Chicken
Grill or sear the marinated chicken to achieve a slight char, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Fresh spices, tomatoes, cream, and butter can make a significant difference in taste.
Balance the Spices
Butter chicken is mildly spiced, so balance the heat of chili powder with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves
Blend the Tomato Gravy
To achieve the smooth, velvety texture, blend the tomato base after simmering it with onions, garlic, and ginger.
Don’t Skimp on Butter and Cream
Butter and cream give butter chicken its rich, silky texture, so don’t hold back.
Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Allow the chicken to cook slowly in the sauce for 15-20 minutes to absorb all the flavors and remain tender.