Butter Chicken

Sri Lankan Butter Chicken recipe with Pelwatte Butter

Ingredients

6 tablespoons Pelwatte butter, divided
2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1″chunks
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups cream
Salt & pepper
lime & cilantro, for garnish
naan & rice for serving

Method

Using 2 Tbsp of Pelwatte butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pieces of the chicken so each side is browned. They do not need to be fully cooked all the way through. Work in batches, and set aside when you’re done.

Melt another 2 Tbsp of Pelwatte butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until beginning to soften — about three minutes. Add the garlic, garam masala, ginger, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Stir to combine, and cook for about 45 seconds before adding the tomato sauce.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for five minutes before adding the cream. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, add the browned chicken, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Keep the heat low here — not a rolling boil.

Stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp of Pelwatte butter, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve garnished with lime and cilantro, alongside rice and naan.