James Martin Butter Chicken Recipe

James Martin Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced dish that’s perfect for those who love the classic flavors of Indian cuisine. This dish combines tender pieces of marinated chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with a buttery, creamy finish. It’s an all-time favorite for anyone craving a comforting and indulgent meal, making it perfect for dinner parties or family meals.

What is James Martin Butter Chicken?

James Martin’s Butter Chicken is a creamy and mildly spiced Indian curry dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato and butter-based sauce. This dish is known for its rich texture and flavor, combining cream, butter, and spices to create a beautifully balanced sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or naan. It’s a popular dish in Indian cuisine, often enjoyed by those who prefer less heat but love the aromatic taste of spices.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Tarragon Chicken
• James Martin Chicken Tarragon
• James Martin Chicken Chasseur

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: The combination of spices, butter, and cream creates a luxurious sauce.
• Perfect for mild spice lovers: This dish offers deep flavors without being too spicy.
• Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, naan, or even flatbreads.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
• Make ahead: The flavors develop even more if made ahead of time.

Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this creamy and flavorful butter chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breasts (4, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender and juicy pieces of chicken for the dish.
• Greek yogurt (100g): Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
• Ginger-garlic paste (1 tbsp): A mixture of ginger and garlic, which adds depth to the marinade.
• Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds warm, earthy flavor.
• Ground coriander (1 tsp): Adds a slightly citrusy, aromatic flavor.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): For a mild heat, adjust to your preference.
• Garam masala (1 tsp): A blend of Indian spices that adds warmth to the dish.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and tenderizes the chicken.

For the Sauce:

• Butter (50g): Adds richness and gives the dish its signature buttery flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the onions and spices.
• Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Forms the base of the sauce.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds depth and flavor.
• Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Provides warmth and aromatic flavor.
• Canned tomatoes (400g, chopped): Creates the base for the rich tomato sauce.
• Tomato purée (2 tbsp): Enhances the tomato flavor in the sauce.
• Ground cumin (1 tsp): For earthy warmth.
• Chili powder (½ tsp): Adjust based on heat preference.
• Garam masala (1 tsp): Adds complexity and depth.
• Double cream (150ml): Makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
• Fresh coriander (2 tbsp, chopped): For garnish and fresh flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan or skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Mixing bowl: To marinate the chicken.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.
• Sharp knife and chopping board: This is used to prepare the ingredients.

Instructions to Make James Martin Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and lemon juice.
• Mix well until the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato purée, ground cumin, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
• Pour in the double cream and stir to combine, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

• Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce.
• Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Stir in the chopped fresh coriander just before serving.
• Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with extra coriander, alongside rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.

What Goes Well with James Martin Butter Chicken?

1. Basmati rice: The perfect companion for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Naan bread: Ideal for scooping up the sauce and tender chicken.
3. Pulao: Flavored rice, such as a mild vegetable pulao, complements the dish.
4. Raita: A yogurt-based dip that adds a cooling contrast to the richness of the curry.
5. Green salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the rich flavors of the butter chicken.
6. Papadums: Crispy, light, and ideal for adding texture to your meal.

Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken overnight: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
2. Use high-quality butter: This gives the dish its signature richness, so don’t skimp on the butter.
3. Adjust the cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream, or use half-and-half instead.
4. Balance the heat: For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder, or add fresh green chilies to the sauce.
5. Simmer slowly: Let the sauce cook gently to develop the flavors and allow the chicken to become tender.

Easy Variations of James Martin Butter Chicken

1. Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or fresh chilies for a spicier kick.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
3. Healthier Option: Use low-fat yogurt for the marinade and reduce the cream for a lighter version.
4. Grilled Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for extra smoky flavor before adding it to the sauce.
5. Cashew Cream: Use cashew cream instead of double cream for a nutty, dairy-free option.

Best Practices to Store James Martin Butter Chicken

1. Refrigerate: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: Butter chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
3. Thaw: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat James Martin Butter Chicken

1. Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
2. Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make James Martin Butter Chicken Healthier?

1. Use less butter and cream: Cut down on butter and replace cream with coconut milk or a light cream alternative.
2. Use skinless chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.
3. Add more vegetables: Bulk up the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas.
4. Use low-fat yogurt: Swap full-fat yogurt for a low-fat version in the marinade.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, Butter Chicken can be made ahead of time. The flavors improve as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze James Martin Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken freezes very well. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

What can I use instead of cream in Butter Chicken?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to cream, you can substitute it with coconut milk or cashew cream. Both provide a creamy texture without the richness of dairy cream, making it a good option for those who prefer a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in Butter Chicken?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, marinate it for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to keep it tender. Also, make sure to not overcook the chicken when browning it—finish cooking it in the sauce, where it will stay moist.

Final Words

The James Martin Butter Chicken is a luxurious and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, spiced tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!

More By British Baking Recipes

• James Martin Chicken and Tarragon Pie

Print