19 South African Indian Butter Chicken Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, then you've probably heard of butter chicken. This spicy and flavorful dish is a staple in many Indian restaurants and homes, and it's easy to see why. The creamy tomato-based sauce, tender chunks of chicken, and aromatic spices make for a delicious and satisfying meal. But did you know that butter chicken has a unique history in South Africa? Let's take a closer look at the South African Indian butter chicken recipe and how it differs from the traditional Indian version.
This recipe is a traditional take on the classic dish, with tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The addition of garam masala and fenugreek leaves gives this dish a distinct Indian flavor that is simply irresistible. Serve with warm basmati rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
2of 20
Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Sweet Onion, Ginger Root, Garlic
This recipe adds a twist to the traditional dish by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices before cooking. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and also helps to tenderize the chicken. The end result is a creamy and delicious butter chicken that will have you going back for seconds!
3of 20
Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Jalapeno, Garam
If you're a fan of one-pot meals, then this recipe is for you. In this version of Indian butter chicken, the rice is cooked right in the same pot as the chicken, resulting in a flavorful and easy dish that will save you time and dishes. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the chicken and sauce, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Don't let the name fool you - this recipe may be easy, but it's still packed with flavor. By using store-bought tikka masala sauce, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Serve with some steamed vegetables and naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
5of 20
Indian Style Butter Chicken And Naan
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken, Yogurt, Garam Masala, Paprika, Salt
If you're a fan of Indian street food, then this recipe is a must-try. This dish recreates the popular combination of butter chicken and naan bread that is commonly found in food stalls in India. The naan bread is cooked on a tawa (Indian griddle) and topped with a generous amount of butter, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich and creamy butter chicken.
This recipe puts a spin on the traditional dish by adding cashew nuts to the sauce, giving it a slightly nutty and sweet flavor. The chicken is also marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices before being cooked, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
7of 20
Creamy-fragrant Butter Chicken( Indian Murgh Makhani).
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Lime Juice, Chilli Powder, Salt, Butter
This recipe uses a combination of cashew nuts and almonds to create a creamy and fragrant sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender pieces of chicken. The addition of ghee (clarified butter) gives this dish an extra richness and depth of flavor. Serve with some steamed vegetables and rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
8of 20
Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Lemon Juice, Garlic
This recipe stays true to the traditional dish, with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce. The addition of heavy cream gives this dish an extra richness and creaminess that is simply irresistible. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a classic and delicious meal.
9of 20
Indian Butter Chicken (Dairy-Free, Keto,...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Butter, Onion, Garam Masala, Garlic, Ginger
If you're following a dairy-free or keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Indian butter chicken. This recipe uses coconut cream instead of heavy cream, making it dairy-free, and cauliflower rice instead of rice, making it keto-friendly. Even with these substitutions, this dish is packed with flavor and will satisfy your cravings for Indian food.
10of 20
Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Oil, Butter, Medium Onion, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal? This recipe has got you covered. With a cook time of only 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The addition of coconut milk to the sauce gives it a slightly sweet and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender pieces of chicken.
11of 20
Pressure Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Thighs, Diced Tomatoes
Using a pressure cooker to make this dish cuts down on the cooking time, making it perfect for those days when you want a delicious and flavorful meal but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The chicken cooks in the pressure cooker with the sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop.
12of 20
Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
If you're a fan of the Instant Pot, then this recipe is for you. This dish comes together quickly and easily, with the chicken and sauce cooking in the Instant Pot for just a few minutes. The result is a delicious and flavorful butter chicken that tastes like it's been cooking all day. Serve with some rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
13of 20
Indian Style Chicken Briyani
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Ghee, Bay Leaf, Curry Leaves, Cinnamon
This recipe combines two classic Indian dishes - butter chicken and biryani. The chicken is cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, then layered with spiced rice and cooked in the oven. The end result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your dinner guests.
14of 20
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Greek Yogurt, Turmeric, Salt, Butter, Cloves
Another Instant Pot recipe, this dish is perfect for those days when you want a delicious and flavorful meal but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The chicken and sauce are cooked together in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Indian Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Vegetable
This recipe puts a spin on the traditional dish by adding coconut milk to the sauce, giving it a slightly sweet and creamy flavor. The chicken is also marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices before being cooked, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
16of 20
Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken, Rice, Salt
If you're a fan of using the slow cooker, then this recipe is for you. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. Serve with some rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Simple & Healthy Crockpot Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Yellow Onion, Garlic
This recipe keeps things simple and healthy by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream and chicken breasts instead of thighs. The result is a lighter and healthier version of the classic dish that is still packed with flavor. Serve with some steamed vegetables and rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Chicken Saag-Classic Indian Dish
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chicken, Fresh Spinach, Water, Onions
This recipe is a combination of two classic Indian dishes - butter chicken and saag (spinach curry). The chicken is cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, then combined with the saag to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Indian Buttered Chicken with Yogurt Flatbread
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Butter, Garam Masala, Red Onion
This recipe puts a spin on the traditional dish by adding yogurt to the flatbread dough, giving it a slightly tangy flavor. The chicken is cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, and the flatbread is cooked on a tawa (Indian griddle) and topped with a generous amount of butter. Serve together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This recipe is a classic Indian chicken curry with a twist - the addition of heavy cream gives it a rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with a variety of spices that give it a complex and delicious flavor. Serve with some basmati rice and naan bread for a classic and satisfying meal.
The Origin of South African Indian Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is said to have originated in the Indian state of Punjab. However, when Indians began immigrating to South Africa in the late 19th century, they brought their love for this dish with them. Over time, the recipe was adapted to suit the local palate and ingredients, resulting in the creation of the South African Indian butter chicken.
The Key Differences
While the basic ingredients of butter chicken remain the same, the South African Indian version has a few distinct differences. One of the main differences is the use of tandoori masala, a spice blend commonly used in South African Indian cuisine. This adds a unique smoky and tangy flavor to the dish.
Another key difference is the use of yogurt in the sauce. Traditional Indian butter chicken uses cream, but the South African version uses yogurt for a lighter and tangier sauce. This also makes it a healthier option without compromising on taste.
How to Make South African Indian Butter Chicken
To make this delicious dish, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of tandoori masala, ginger, garlic, and yogurt. Then, cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until it is golden brown. In another pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and spices to make the base of the sauce. Once the sauce is cooked, add the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together. Finish off the dish by adding a dollop of butter and serving it with rice or naan bread.
In Conclusion
South African Indian butter chicken may have its origins in Punjab, but it has evolved into its own unique and delicious dish. The use of tandoori masala and yogurt sets it apart from the traditional Indian version, giving it a distinct flavor profile. So the next time you're craving some butter chicken, why not try the South African Indian version for a tasty and cultural twist on this classic dish.