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5 from 1 vote

Simple Chicken Butter Masala Recipe

If you enjoy your chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato gravy with Indian spices, then you have to try this simple but tasty chicken butter masala recipe.
Prep Time8 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Tomato gravy cook time20 minutes
Total Time8 hours 50 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: butter masala, chicken butter masala
Servings: 5
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Ros Singh

Ingredients

Tomato gravy

  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
  • 1 inch ginger (sliced)
  • ¼ cup cashew nuts
  • 3 large tomatoes (chopped, without seeds)
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • 3 cardamom
  • 1 cup water

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cleaned)
  • 1 tbsp Caribbean green seasoning with chadon beni, cilantro, garlic, ginger, pepper
  • 1½ tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp whole cumin (geera) seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cooking cream
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 – 2 tbsp cilantro leaves to garnish

Equipment

  • Blender

Instructions

Chicken

  • Clean chicken thoroughly, removing fat and unwanted bits.
  • Wash the chicken with flour and lime.
  • Add Caribbean green seasoning and pepper.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight to marinate.
  • Once marinated, cut the chicken into cubes.
  • Place a skillet on medium heat.
  • Add ½ tbsp of butter.
  • Toss in the chicken.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Allow the chicken to release its natural liquid.
  • When this liquid has boiled off, let the chicken pieces develop a sear before removing from the heat.
  • Set aside.

Tomato gravy

  • Place a small pot on low heat.
  • Add all the tomato gravy ingredients: onions, garlic, ginger, cashew nuts, deseeded tomatoes, cinnamon, clove, cardamom and water.
  • Cover completely and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally. If the water is too low, add water, a quarter cup at a time.
  • After 20 minutes, remove from heat.
  • Allow to cool completely.
  • Add to blender and puree.
  • Set aside.

Chicken butter masala

  • Place a large skillet on medium heat.
  • Add 1 tbsp butter and allow to heat up.
  • Toss in whole cumin seeds.
  • Toast for 30 seconds.
  • Add bay leaf and chili powder.
  • Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Pour the blended tomato gravy.
  • Mix and cover completely.
  • Allow to come to a boil for 2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken.
  • Mix to coat completely.
  • Add water, masala powder, salt and sugar.
  • Cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Stir in cream and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.