Most Viewed Recipe in This Universe

Most Viewed Recipe in This Universe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by FutureCanoe on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 48 min

Cost: $49.19 total, $12.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Chicken Drumsticks (bone‑in, skin on; deboned and skin removed)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Paste (freshly made or store‑bought)
  • 1 tbsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tsp Salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying chicken)
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided: 1 tbsp for onions, 5 tbsp later)
  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 Fresh Tomatoes (roughly chopped)
  • 400 g Canned Diced Tomatoes (one standard 14‑oz can)
  • ¼ cup Walnuts (roughly chopped)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (minced; 2 for sauce, 2 for naan butter)
  • 2 tbsp Distilled White Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • 4 tbsp Granulated Sugar (balances tomato acidity)
  • ½ tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • ½ tsp Paprika (for color and mild flavor)
  • ½ cup Water (adjust sauce thickness)
  • 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (adds richness at end)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for naan dough)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Naan)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (Naan)
  • ¼ cup Plain Yogurt (non‑fat or full‑fat works)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Naan)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Oil (from previous garlic‑oil video; optional)
  • ½ tsp Baking Powder
  • ¼ tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds (for topping naan)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (Garlic Butter for Naan) (softened)

Instructions

  1. Debone and Skin the Chicken

    Using a boning knife, cut around the ankle of each drumstick, make a deep cut along the seam, and carefully separate the meat from the bone while pulling the skin back. Trim excess skin and set the boneless pieces aside.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    In a bowl combine the boneless chicken pieces with garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, and 2 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly, cover, and let rest for at least 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Prepare Naan Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 tbsp oil, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and enough lukewarm water to form a smooth, non‑sticky dough. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Pan‑Fry the Chicken

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear each side until lightly browned (about 4‑5 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to a bowl; it does not need to be fully cooked.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Build the Sauce Base

    In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden (≈5 minutes). Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts. Stir in 1 tbsp garlic paste, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp distilled vinegar, 4 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp paprika, and a pinch of extra red chili powder.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Simmer the Tomato‑Walnut Sauce

    Add ½ cup water, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15‑20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and the tomatoes break down.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  7. Puree the Sauce

    Transfer the cooked sauce to a bowl and blend with a hand blender (or countertop blender) until completely smooth. Return the puree to the skillet.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Finish the Butter Chicken

    Stir in 5 tbsp butter until melted and emulsified. Add 2 tbsp heavy cream and the previously seared chicken pieces. Simmer gently for 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  9. Shape and Cook the Naan

    Divide the rested dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle (≈¼‑inch thick). Press sesame seeds onto one side. Wet the opposite side with a little water, flip, and place the wet side down on a hot dry skillet. Cook over medium heat until bubbles form (≈2 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until golden spots appear (≈2‑3 minutes).

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  10. Make Garlic Butter for Naan

    Mix 2 tbsp softened butter with the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves (finely minced) and a pinch of chopped parsley. Brush the mixture onto the hot naan just after flipping.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Plate and Garnish

    Spoon the creamy butter chicken into serving bowls, drizzle a swirl of fresh cream, and sprinkle chopped parsley. Serve with the hot garlic‑butter naan on the side.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains nuts, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Most Viewed Recipe in This Universe

Recipe by FutureCanoe

A rich, creamy butter chicken made from deboned drumsticks, simmered in a tomato‑walnut sauce with butter, cream, and spices, served with homemade garlic butter naan. This one‑pot Indian classic follows the most‑viewed butter chicken recipe on YouTube, adapted for home cooks.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
53m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$49.19
Total cost
$12.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Deboning and skinning the chicken without losing meat.
  • Achieving a smooth, thick tomato‑walnut puree.
  • Emulsifying butter into the sauce to prevent separation.
  • Cooking naan just long enough to stay soft inside while getting crispy spots.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby.
  • When using a hand blender, keep the blade guard away from skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?

A

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s when chefs mixed leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter, and cream to create a rich, mildly spiced gravy. It quickly became a restaurant staple and is now a beloved comfort dish across India and the diaspora.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of butter chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, butter chicken often includes a higher proportion of cream and a sweeter tomato base, while in Lucknow it may feature a touch of saffron and a thinner gravy. Some regions add cashews or almonds instead of walnuts for a richer texture.

cultural
Q

How is butter chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

Butter chicken is traditionally served hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, accompanied by a side of sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro. Eating with the hands is common, as the bread acts as a utensil to scoop up the creamy sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is butter chicken associated with in Indian culture?

A

Butter chicken is a popular dish for festivals like Diwali and family gatherings because its rich flavor appeals to a wide range of palates. It is also a go‑to dish for weekend family meals and special dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional butter chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic butter chicken uses tandoori‑marinated chicken, butter, cream, tomatoes, garam masala, and sometimes cashews. Substitutes like boneless thighs, heavy cream for yogurt, and walnuts for cashews work well without compromising flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with butter chicken and garlic butter naan?

A

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, jeera rice, or a simple cucumber raita. For a full meal, serve alongside dal makhani, aloo gobi, or a fresh green salad with lemon dressing.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter chicken at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken before adding it to the sauce, letting the butter separate by cooking at too high a temperature, and using too much water which makes the gravy thin. Follow the low‑simmer steps and add butter gradually to prevent separation.

technical
Q

Why does this butter chicken recipe use walnuts in the sauce instead of the more common cashews?

A

Walnuts provide a similar nutty richness while being more affordable and readily available in many grocery stores. They also blend smoothly into the tomato base, creating a creamy texture without the need for soaking.

technical
Q

Can I make the butter chicken sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel FutureCanoe specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel FutureCanoe focuses on adventurous home cooking, often tackling classic dishes from around the world with a humorous, experimental twist. The creator blends culinary technique with storytelling, making complex recipes approachable for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel FutureCanoe's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

FutureCanoe combines authentic Indian recipes with unconventional kitchen hacks, such as deboning whole drumsticks and using walnuts in place of traditional nuts. The channel emphasizes one‑pot efficiency and candid commentary, setting it apart from more formal Indian cooking tutorials.

channel

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