Easy Butter Chicken
Try this Easy Butter Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Easy Butter Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 6 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 yellow onions roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or another neutral flavoured oil)
- 1 lb. chicken breast or tenders (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons chopped ginger
- 1 teaspoon coriander ground or seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground or seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek ground or seeds
- 1/4 to 1 teaspoon chili powder
- seeds from 4 cardamom pods
- 1 - 28- ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons dairy or coconut cream
- 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar to taste
- optional: 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- sea salt to taste (i like about 2 teaspoons)
- Carbohydrate 4.19006615420169 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.70204980386057 g
- Fiber 0.548895192626292 g
- Protein 1.58794980690351 g
- Saturated Fat 0.459376249648561 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (131g)
- Sodium 3.69762500326781 mg
- Sugar 3.6411709615754 g
- Trans Fat 0.239678557537285 g
- Calories 61 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts or tenders and cook, stirring frequently, until they are cooked through and no longer pink, about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove them from the pan and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
- While the chicken is cooking begin preparing the sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add all the spices all at once, or remove the pan from the heat for a moment while you add them. (garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, chili powder and cardamom seeds)
- Let the spices cook for about one minute, or until they are quite fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan and scrape up any stuck on brown bits.
- Add half a cup of water and bring the pot to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
- Carefully add the sauce to your blender and blend on high until it is very smooth.
- Add the sauce back to the pan and stir through the almond butter, dairy or coconut cream and the optional yoghurt.
- Serve with a side of rice.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Mastering Easy Butter Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, wholesome meals feels like a constant uphill battle. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school drop-offs, grocery runs, and trying to squeeze in a workout – all before dinner even hits the table. So, when I stumbled upon this Easy Butter Chicken recipe, it promised a lifeline. I’m no chef; in fact, my culinary skills mostly involve assembling elaborate cheese and cracker platters. Yet, the simplicity of the recipe’s description was alluring. I needed something quick, flavorful, and hopefully, something my picky eaters would actually enjoy.
The recipe was deceptively simple. The ingredients list was straightforward, and I had most of them already in my pantry. I particularly appreciated the flexible nature of the recipe; it allowed for substitutions and adjustments based on what I had on hand. This adaptability is a game-changer for a busy mom like me. Sometimes my grocery shopping consists of whatever I could grab on the way home from work, and the last thing I want to do is feel restricted by a rigid recipe.
The cooking process itself was remarkably straightforward. The step-by-step instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for a novice cook like myself. I loved how the recipe guided me through the process of preparing the sauce, which was the heart of the dish. The aroma that filled my kitchen while the spices simmered was incredible; a blend of warm, comforting spices that promised a delicious meal.
The final product? Pure culinary bliss! The chicken was tender and juicy, perfectly coated in a rich, creamy sauce. The flavors were perfectly balanced, a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. My kids, who usually turn their noses up at anything remotely healthy, gobbled it up. It was a major victory in my ongoing quest to feed my family nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Easy Butter Chicken recipe quickly became a staple in our weekly meal rotation, a comforting and delicious solution to my weeknight cooking dilemma.
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, this recipe taught me something valuable about cooking. It's not about being a culinary expert; it's about creating something nourishing and enjoyable for yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes, the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying. And for a busy mom like me, the satisfaction of a quick, easy, and delicious meal is worth more than gold. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy, home-cooked meals are not an unattainable luxury; they’re achievable, even on the busiest of days.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing Imperfect Cooking
One of the most liberating things about this Easy Butter Chicken recipe, and cooking in general, is the acceptance of imperfection. My first attempt wasn’t perfect. The sauce was a tad too spicy for my younger child, and I slightly overcooked the chicken. But, that’s okay! It was still delicious, and it provided valuable lessons for the next time. It is within this process of trial and error that true culinary confidence is built. The beauty of cooking is not in achieving perfection, but in the journey of learning and adapting. Each time I make this dish, I refine my technique, adjusting the spices or the level of creaminess based on my family's preferences.
This isn’t just about a recipe; it’s about fostering a connection with food, and family. It's about creating a space where even the simplest act of cooking becomes a form of self-care, a way to de-stress and connect with something nourishing beyond just the ingredients themselves. The aroma alone is a form of relaxation. It’s about reclaiming control in a chaotic world, even if just for a few minutes during the prep and cooking process. And it’s about creating memories, which are more valuable than any five-star meal.
So, if you’re a busy mom, a stressed-out professional, or just someone looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, I highly recommend you give this Easy Butter Chicken recipe a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder that healthy, delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity, and the joy of creating something special, even on a busy day.
