First and foremost, let’s talk about the chicken itself. A key element of this dish is the tender, succulent pieces of chicken, which must be marinated to perfection. A simple but effective marinade consists of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. It’s important to let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours, if not overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Now let’s move on to the sauce. The tomato-based sauce is what gives butter chicken its distinctive flavor and texture. The secret to achieving the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess is to use a combination of fresh tomatoes and tomato puree. The tomatoes should be cooked down until they are soft and pulpy, then pureed to create a smooth base for the sauce. To give the sauce its signature richness, a generous amount of butter and cream is added. However, it’s important not to overdo it with the cream, as this can overwhelm the dish and make it too heavy.