Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is an easy-to-make, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the rich essence of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with an accessible twist, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks alike.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is a simplified, yet equally delicious, version of the traditional Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani). This dish features tender chicken cooked in a smooth, spiced tomato-based sauce with rich butter and cream.

While the dish stays true to its classic roots, Jamie Oliver adapts it with simple, easy-to-follow ingredients and methods, making it an approachable recipe that delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. The combination of buttery richness and aromatic spices creates a comforting, savory meal that pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread.

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For The Marinade

• Chicken breasts or thighs – boneless, skinless for easy cooking.
• Natural yogurt – this helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
• Ground turmeric – provides color and a mild earthy flavor.
• Ground cumin – adds a warm, nutty taste to the marinade.
• Ground coriander – offers a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Garam masala – an essential Indian spice mix that imparts warmth.
• Fresh garlic – for aromatic punch.
• Fresh ginger – complements garlic and adds a fragrant zest.
• Lemon juice – to balance out the richness.
• Salt – for seasoning.

For The Sauce

• Butter – the key to a rich, smooth sauce.
• Onion – finely chopped, for base flavor.
• Fresh garlic – minced to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Fresh ginger – adds a refreshing and aromatic touch.
• Canned tomatoes – the base of the sauce, offering tanginess and sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – to provide a slight sweetness and depth.
• Ground cumin and coriander – intensify the flavor profile.
• Chili powder – adds heat and a vibrant red color.
• Cream – for a rich, silky texture.
• Fresh cilantro – as a garnish to add freshness.

Equipment Needed

To create Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken, these are the tools and equipment you will need:

• Large bowl – for marinating the chicken.
• Frying pan or skillet – for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Sharp knife – for chopping the onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the sauce and avoid damaging your pan.
• Grater or garlic press – for finely grating fresh ginger and garlic.
• Measuring spoons – for accurate spice measurements.
• Serving plates – for presenting your delicious meal.
• Pot for rice (optional) – if you wish to serve the butter chicken with rice.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

1. Marinate The Chicken

   • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
   • Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for even better flavor).

2. Cook The Chicken

   • Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
   • Add the marinated chicken to the pan, searing it on all sides until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare The Sauce

   • In the same pan, add butter and heat until melted. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent.
   • Add the garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
   • Pour in the canned tomatoes and chili powder, and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.

4. Combine Chicken And Sauce

   • Return the chicken to the pan, stirring it into the sauce. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
   • Add the cream to the pan, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Garnish And Serve

   • Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or both for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Chicken Choice: If you prefer extra juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will remain tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
• Balancing the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance. You can omit it for a milder version or add extra for a more intense kick.
• Marination Time: If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Cream Variations: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with coconut milk. It will still provide a rich texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Serve with Homemade Naan: While you can buy naan, homemade naan (easy to make at home with basic ingredients) adds an extra touch of authenticity and warmth to the meal.

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine in an accessible way. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and richness, with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful, creamy sauce.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty, spicy, and utterly comforting. Paired with rice or naan, it makes for a perfect family dinner or special occasion meal. Don’t hesitate to try it and experience a little taste of India from the comfort of your kitchen!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish with its rich, creamy texture and robust flavors. However, there are several ways to modify this dish to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or available ingredients. Here are some easy recipe variations:

1. Vegetarian Butter Chicken (Paneer Butter Masala)

   • Ingredients: Swap out the chicken for paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Paneer will soak up the flavorful sauce, giving you a vegetarian version that’s just as rich and creamy.
   • Preparation: Cube the paneer and gently fry until golden before adding it to the sauce. This method will ensure the paneer retains its shape and texture, adding a lovely bite to your dish.

2. Spicy Butter Chicken

   • Ingredients: If you enjoy more heat, increase the quantity of green chilies, red chili powder, or even add a spoonful of garam masala to the recipe. Freshly ground black pepper can also add an extra kick.
   • Preparation: Adding whole dried red chilies and roasting them with onions and tomatoes in the initial stages will release a smoky heat. For an even richer spicy note, you can stir in some Kashmiri red chili powder, known for its vibrant color and moderate heat.

3. Lighter Butter Chicken

   • Ingredients: You can make the dish lighter by reducing the butter and cream content. Instead, use full-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt to provide creaminess with fewer calories.
   • Preparation: Instead of frying the chicken in ghee or butter, try grilling or baking the chicken, and then simmering it in the sauce for a lighter, healthier approach.

4. Coconut Butter Chicken

   • Ingredients: For a tropical twist, add coconut milk to the sauce. This variation will bring a slight sweetness and richness to the dish, balancing the spices beautifully.
   • Preparation: Replace half the cream with coconut milk for a silky, slightly sweet sauce. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before serving for added texture.

5. Butter Chicken With Vegetables

   • Ingredients: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and spinach to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
   • Preparation: Sauté the vegetables along with the chicken before adding the tomato and cream base. This variation not only adds flavor but also increases the fiber and nutritional value of the dish.

6. Gluten-Free Butter Chicken

   • Ingredients: Most of the ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken are naturally gluten-free, but to make sure the recipe remains gluten-free, check your spices, particularly garam masala and curry powders, to ensure no hidden gluten.
   • Preparation: Instead of serving it with naan, opt for gluten-free naan or basmati rice for a more accommodating gluten-free meal.

By customizing Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken, you can cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and creative inspirations while keeping the essence of this beloved dish intact.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers from your butter chicken meal is straightforward, but it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure the flavors stay fresh and the food remains safe to eat. Here are the best practices:

1. Cooling Down

   • Best Practice: Allow the butter chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it. However, make sure it does not sit out for more than 2 hours to avoid the risk of bacterial growth.
   • Tip: You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the butter chicken into a shallow container. This helps it cool evenly and quickly.

2. Airtight Containers

   • Best Practice: Use airtight, BPA-free containers to store your leftovers. This will help prevent the food from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge and keep it from drying out.
   • Tip: Consider dividing the butter chicken into smaller portions for easier reheating, and to minimize the number of times you open and close the container.

3. Refrigeration

   • Best Practice: Store your butter chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond this time frame, the taste and texture may begin to degrade.
   • Tip: Label the container with the date of storage so that you know exactly when it should be consumed.

4. Freezing

   • Best Practice: If you want to store butter chicken for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Transfer cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
   • Tip: To prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy when reheated, allow the butter chicken to cool fully before freezing. You can also freeze the sauce and chicken separately to maintain texture upon reheating.

5. Reheating

   • Best Practice: Reheat the leftovers thoroughly to a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
   • Tip: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of water or cream to bring back its original consistency.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy your butter chicken leftovers without compromising safety or flavor.

What Goes Well With Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is rich, creamy, and flavorful, and there are several foods that pair wonderfully with it to create a balanced, satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside butter chicken:

1. Naan Bread

   • Why it Works: Soft, pillowy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich butter chicken sauce. Its slightly crispy texture on the outside and tender softness inside make it a classic accompaniment.
   • Variations: You can opt for garlic naan for added flavor or even butter naan for an extra indulgent experience.

2. Basmati Rice

   • Why it Works: The light, fragrant basmati rice complements the richness of the butter chicken sauce, providing a perfect balance. The delicate, nutty flavor of the rice is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
   • Tip: For a more aromatic touch, consider infusing the rice with cardamom, bay leaves, or saffron during cooking.

3. Raita

   • Why it Works: Raita is a cooling yogurt-based side dish that balances the spiciness of the butter chicken. The yogurt soothes the palate, and the cucumber or mint in the raita offers refreshing contrast to the creamy, spiced sauce.
   • Tip: A cucumber raita, made with grated cucumber, yogurt, and a sprinkle of cumin, is a particularly refreshing choice.

4. Aloo Gobi (Potato And Cauliflower)

   • Why it Works: This vegetable side dish brings in the earthy flavors of potatoes and cauliflower, which provide a nice contrast to the richness of butter chicken.
   • Tip: You can make this dish with a touch of turmeric, cumin, and coriander to keep it in line with the Indian flavors of the butter chicken.

5. Saag (Spinach)

   • Why it Works: A simple saag dish made with spinach, garlic, and a few spices pairs well with the buttery sauce of the chicken. The earthiness of the spinach complements the creamy texture of the butter chicken.
   • Tip: You can make a quick saag by sautéing spinach with onions, garlic, and cumin, then finishing with a touch of cream for richness.

6. Pickles And Papadums

   • Why it Works: Indian pickles, often spicy and tangy, can provide an exciting contrast to the rich and mild butter chicken. Papadums (crispy lentil crackers) add an enjoyable crunch to the meal.
   • Tip: Mango pickle or lime pickle offers a zesty contrast, while papadums bring an extra layer of texture to the meal.

7. Mango Lassi

   • Why it Works: A sweet and tangy mango lassi is a great drink pairing with butter chicken. The creamy yogurt base of the lassi helps soothe the heat from the spices, while the mango adds a fruity sweetness to the meal.
   • Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can blend the mango lassi with a little bit of cardamom or rosewater.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is a dish full of flavor and heartwarming richness, making it a popular favorite worldwide. Whether you’re customizing the recipe to suit dietary needs, storing leftovers properly, or finding the perfect sides to pair with it, there are endless ways to enjoy this classic meal.

By exploring various variations, you can tailor the dish to your own tastes, ensuring that each bite is a comforting and satisfying experience. Whether you serve it with naan, rice, or veggies, or enjoy it as a vegetarian alternative, butter chicken can easily be adapted to suit any palate.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Used In Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s butter chicken typically includes boneless chicken thighs, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, yogurt, garlic, ginger, tomato purée, tinned tomatoes, cream, butter, and fresh coriander. The recipe also includes basmati rice or naan for serving.

Does Jamie Oliver Marinate The Chicken Beforehand?

Yes, in his butter chicken recipe, Jamie Oliver marinates the chicken in yogurt mixed with spices such as garam masala, garlic, and ginger. This step helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

What Cooking Method Does Jamie Oliver Use For The Chicken?

Jamie usually starts by browning the marinated chicken in a pan or under the grill to create a charred effect. This adds a smoky depth to the flavor before simmering it in the butter chicken sauce.

What Makes The Sauce In Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Creamy?

The creaminess of the sauce comes from the addition of cream and butter, along with a tomato base that has been simmered to enhance richness. Coconut milk is not typically used in his version.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

The recipe generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish, including marination, cooking the chicken, preparing the sauce, and combining the elements.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Ahead Of Time?

Yes, butter chicken can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better after the flavors have developed. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe Spicy?

Jamie’s butter chicken is mildly spiced. It uses aromatic spices like cumin and coriander with a hint of chili powder or paprika, but it’s not overly hot, making it family-friendly.

What Is The Best Side Dish To Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

It’s commonly served with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or a side of cucumber raita to balance the richness. Jamie sometimes includes a fresh coriander garnish or pickled onions.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?

The traditional recipe is not vegetarian, but you can adapt it by substituting chicken with paneer, tofu, or roasted vegetables while keeping the same marinade and sauce base.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently over the stove or in a microwave.