Recette de cuisine indienne : butter chicken - poulet au beurre

Recette de cuisine indienne : butter chicken - poulet au beurre is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Hervé Cuisine on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $14.85 total, $3.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken Breast (cut into thin strips (aiguillettes))
  • 400 g Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated tomato)
  • 70 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 50 g Cashew Nuts (raw, will be blended into sauce)
  • 2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 100 ml Heavy Cream (full‑fat liquid cream)
  • 1 unit Lemon (juiced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled and pressed)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1 large Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (grape seed or sunflower oil)
  • to taste Salt
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 cups Basmati Rice (rinsed)
  • 3 pods Cardamom Pods (lightly crushed)
  • 3 cups Water (for rice cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken and Marinade

    Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. In a mixing bowl combine minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, tomato paste, and 2 tsp garam masala. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Let the chicken sit in the marinade while you prepare the sauce; no additional time needed.

    Time: PT0M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, then add the pressed garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Toast Spices

    Stir in coriander powder, cumin seeds, and paprika. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Water and Simmer

    Pour in 1 cup of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it come to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Tomatoes and Cashews

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, raw cashew nuts, and a pinch of salt. Cover and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Blend the Sauce

    Using an immersion blender (or transfer to a countertop blender), puree the sauce until smooth. Return to the pan.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Sear the Chicken

    In a clean skillet, heat a little oil over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and sear each side until lightly browned, about 7 minutes total.

    Time: PT7M

  9. Incorporate Butter

    Add 70 g butter to the blended sauce and stir until fully melted.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Transfer the seared chicken into the sauce, stir to coat, and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

    Time: PT8M

  11. Finish with Cream

    Stir in 100 ml heavy cream, lower the heat, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce turns a velvety orange‑gold color.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Cook Basmati Rice

    Rinse 2 cups basmati rice until water runs clear. In a pot combine rice, 3 cups cold water, crushed cardamom pods, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

    Time: PT20M

  13. Garnish and Serve

    Remove the cardamom pods from the rice. Spoon butter chicken onto plates, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, and serve alongside the fragrant basmati rice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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Recette de cuisine indienne : butter chicken - poulet au beurre

Recipe by Hervé Cuisine

A creamy, aromatic Indian butter chicken (Poulet au beurre) made with marinated chicken strips, a cashew‑tomato sauce, butter, and cream, served over fragrant cardamom‑infused basmati rice. Inspired by the collaboration between Hervé Cuisine and Sanji of Bollywood Kitchen.

MediumIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
18m
Prep
57m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.85
Total cost
$3.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with garlic, ginger, lemon, tomato paste, and garam masala.
  • Toasting whole cumin seeds and other spices before adding liquids.
  • Blending the sauce with cashews to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Adding butter and cream at the end to prevent curdling and ensure richness.
  • Cooking basmati rice with cardamom and allowing it to rest covered.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard when searing the chicken.
  • Blend the hot sauce carefully; vent the blender lid slightly to release steam.

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 at the Moti Mahal restaurant. It was created to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmered in a tomato‑butter‑cream sauce, and quickly became a beloved comfort dish across India and the world.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Butter Chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, some versions use fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) or a higher proportion of cream, while others add yogurt for tanginess. In Punjab, the sauce may be richer with more butter, whereas in Delhi it is often lighter with a brighter tomato base.

cultural
Q

How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

Butter Chicken is typically served hot, spooned over steamed basmati rice or with soft naan bread. It is garnished with fresh cilantro and sometimes a drizzle of extra butter, and enjoyed as a main course during family meals or special occasions.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is Butter Chicken commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Butter Chicken is a popular dish for festivals like Diwali, Eid, and family gatherings such as weddings or birthday celebrations, because its rich, comforting flavor appeals to guests of all ages.

cultural
Q

How does Butter Chicken fit into the broader Indian cuisine tradition?

A

Butter Chicken exemplifies the Indian love for creamy, spiced gravies that balance heat with richness. It showcases key Indian ingredients—garam masala, butter, cream, and tomatoes—while being adaptable to home cooking, reflecting the cuisine’s blend of tradition and convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Butter Chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Butter Chicken uses tandoori‑marinated chicken, butter, heavy cream, cashew or almond paste, garam masala, and tomato puree. Acceptable substitutes include using boneless chicken thighs, ghee instead of butter, coconut cream for dairy‑free versions, and peanuts or almonds in place of cashews.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?

A

Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or paratha for scooping the sauce, and with side dishes like cucumber raita, mixed vegetable pakoras, or a simple lentil dal to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Butter Chicken special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Its signature velvety tomato‑butter‑cream sauce, combined with mildly spiced chicken, creates a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that is both comforting and indulgent—making it a standout comfort food in Indian cuisine.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Butter Chicken at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry; burning the garlic or ginger, which adds bitterness; and adding cream at too high a temperature, which can cause curdling. Follow the step‑by‑step timing and keep the heat moderate when finishing the sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Butter Chicken recipe use cashews in the sauce instead of a flour‑based thickener?

A

Cashews provide a natural, silky thickness and a subtle nutty flavor without adding gluten. Blending softened cashews creates a smooth creaminess that complements the butter and cream, staying true to traditional Indian techniques.

technical
Q

Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before adding the cooked chicken. The cooked chicken can also be stored separately and combined with the reheated sauce before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Hervé Cuisine specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Hervé Cuisine focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes from around the world, often featuring guest chefs and highlighting cultural cooking techniques while keeping the instructions clear for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

Hervé Cuisine blends French‑style presentation and clear step‑by‑step narration with authentic Indian flavors, inviting guest chefs like Sanji of Bollywood Kitchen to share insider tips, whereas many Indian channels focus solely on traditional methods without cross‑cultural commentary.

channel

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