Crispy Butter Chicken

Crispy Butter Chicken is a delicious and popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of chicken. The “crispy” aspect usually comes from the preparation of the chicken before it’s added to the sauce. Here’s a general recipe for making Crispy Butter Chicken:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500 grams boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or rice flour

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup tomato puree or canned tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cashew paste (optional for added creaminess)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and vegetable oil.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
2. Crispy Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
   • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and sprinkle cornstarch or rice flour over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
   • Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy exterior.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
   • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the Spices:
   • Add red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric powder. Sauté for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the tomato puree or canned tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
6. Creamy Base:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and cashew paste (if using).
   • Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Finish:
   • Season with salt and honey or sugar to balance the flavors.
   • Add the baked crispy chicken to the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of melted butter.
   • Serve hot with naan, rice, or your favorite Indian bread.

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Butter Chicken! Adjust the spice levels and creaminess to suit your preferences.