Ekani Ella Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Indian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a velvety tomato-based curry. With warming spices and a luscious buttery sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal served with rice or naan.
What is Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. The dish is mild yet flavorful, making it a family favorite. Jamie Oliver’s version keeps it simple and accessible while maintaining the authentic taste.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Jerk Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Sticky Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Mary Berry Cornish Pasty
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: A perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
- Tender, juicy chicken: Marinated in yogurt and spices for maximum flavor.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients with step-by-step instructions.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
- Great for all spice levels: Can be adjusted from mild to spicy.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken thighs or breast (600g, boneless, skinless, cut into chunks)
- Greek yogurt (150g) – Helps tenderize the chicken.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Adds warmth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses flavor.
- Garam masala (1 tsp) – A blend of warming spices.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Earthy and aromatic.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp) – Adds depth.
- Turmeric (½ tsp) – Gives a golden color.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Helps with tenderizing.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- Butter (2 tbsp) – For richness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp) – Prevents burning.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Extra flavor.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Aromatic and warming.
- Tomato purée (3 tbsp) – Deepens the tomato flavor.
- Canned chopped tomatoes (400g) – Forms the base of the sauce.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Enhances the sauce.
- Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds mild heat and color.
- Garam masala (1 tsp) – Brings warmth.
- Sugar (1 tsp, optional) – Balances acidity.
- Heavy cream (150ml) – Creates a silky texture.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Adjust seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (for garnish) – Adds freshness.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls – For marinating the chicken.
- Large pan or skillet – For cooking the curry.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring.
- Blender (optional) – For a smoother sauce.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken pieces, mix well, and cover. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and add chopped onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and sugar (if using).
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
- For a smooth sauce, blend the mixture using a hand blender or regular blender, then return to the pan.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Return the partially cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with steamed rice or naan.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken?
- Steamed basmati rice: A fluffy, fragrant base for the sauce.
- Naan or roti: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Mango chutney: Adds a sweet contrast.
- Raita (yogurt sauce): Helps balance the spice.
- Grilled vegetables: A great side for added texture.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier and more tender than chicken breast.
- Marinate overnight: The longer the marination, the better the flavor.
- Blend the sauce: For a restaurant-style smoothness.
- Adjust spice levels: Add chili powder if you like it spicier.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer to develop deep flavors.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Vegan version: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Extra spicy: Add fresh chilies or cayenne pepper.
- Cashew butter chicken: Blend cashews into the sauce for extra richness.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separation fix: Stir well when reheating to blend the sauce back together.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Stovetop method: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
- Microwave method: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent overheating.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and deliciously spiced dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with rice, naan, or a fresh salad, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting warmth. Make it your own by adjusting the spice level, adding extra creaminess, or pairing it with your favorite sides. Enjoy a homemade Indian classic with this easy, foolproof recipe!
FAQs
Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream as a substitute.
What is the best cut of chicken for butter chicken?
Chicken thighs are best as they remain juicy, but chicken breast can also be used.
How do I make the sauce less acidic?
Adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I cook this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight.
Print
Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15
- Marinating Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Tandoori chicken is a North Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture containing garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with deep, rich flavors, while cooking at high heat creates a smoky, slightly charred crust.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts (1kg, bone-in, skinless) – Traditional for tandoori.
- Greek yogurt (200g, full-fat preferred) – Helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced) – Adds depth to the marinade.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Brings warmth and spice.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed) – Adds tang and helps tenderize.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Provides earthy, nutty notes.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp) – Enhances the aroma.
- Garam masala (1 tsp) – The signature Indian spice blend.
- Turmeric (½ tsp) – Adds a golden color and mild bitterness.
- Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a smoky depth.
- Red chili powder (½-1 tsp, optional) – For extra heat.
- Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
- Olive oil or mustard oil (2 tbsp) – Adds moisture and a slight smoky flavor.
For Garnishing:
- Fresh coriander (for garnish, optional) – Adds freshness.
- Lemon wedges (for serving) – Enhances the citrusy notes.
- Red onion slices (optional, for serving) – Traditional accompaniment.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, red chili powder, salt, and olive oil.
- Mix well until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- Make deep cuts or slashes in the chicken so the marinade penetrates deeply.
- Coat the chicken well with the marinade, rubbing it into the cuts.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Option 1: Oven Method (Easy & Convenient)
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps with even cooking).
- Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack, ensuring pieces are not crowded.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until charred and cooked through.
- For extra char, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Option 2: Grill Method (Authentic Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (200°C/400°F).
- Lightly oil the grates and place the chicken on the grill.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
Option 3: Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy)
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges and sliced red onions.
