Butter Chicken gunna give me a BBL😂

Butter Chicken gunna give me a BBL😂 is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Ian Fujimoto on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $13.88 total, $3.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, for marinating)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced; 3 for the marinate, 1 for the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Ginger (grated; divided between marinate and sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons Garam Masala (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 tablespoons Ghee (divided; 2 tbsp for searing, 2 tbsp for sauce)
  • 1 Shallot (roughly chopped)
  • 14 ounce Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 8 tablespoons Cold Unsalted Butter (cut into small cubes; added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    Place the bite‑size chicken thigh pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add Greek yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until every piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sear the Chicken

    Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer; do not overcrowd. Cook for about 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until the outside is lightly browned but the interior is still pink.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  3. Remove Chicken

    Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the remaining 2 tbsp ghee to the same pan. Toss in the roughly chopped shallot, the remaining minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant and the shallot becomes translucent.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Build the Sauce Base

    Add the canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir to combine, then remove the pan from heat and transfer everything to a regular blender. Blend until smooth (about 30 seconds).

    Time: PT5M

  6. Enrich the Sauce

    Return the blended sauce to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup cold heavy cream and the 8 tbsp cold butter cubes. Whisk until the butter fully melts and the sauce becomes glossy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Finish Cooking the Chicken

    Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Serve

    Serve the butter chicken hot over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread. Garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
38 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly (moderate carbs), Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy, Egg (if using yogurt with live cultures)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Butter Chicken gunna give me a BBL😂

Recipe by Ian Fujimoto

A creamy, tomato‑based Indian classic that transforms boneless chicken thighs into a rich, buttery sauce. This recipe follows Ian Fujimoto’s YouTube tutorial, using Greek yogurt for a tender marinate, ghee for depth, and a blend of spices for authentic flavor.

MediumIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
12m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.88
Total cost
$3.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices
  • Searing the chicken only until lightly browned
  • Blending the tomato‑spice mixture to a smooth sauce
  • Incorporating cold butter at the end to create a glossy emulsion
  • Simmering the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and hot blender contents with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when adding cold butter to the hot sauce to prevent splatter.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) before serving.

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‑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 Punjab, the sauce is richer with more butter and cream, while in Lucknow it may include a hint of saffron. Some versions add cashew paste for extra silkiness, but the core spices remain garam masala, cumin, and tomato.

cultural
Q

How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

Butter Chicken is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. It is often garnished with a drizzle of cream and fresh cilantro, and enjoyed as a main course during family meals or celebrations.

cultural
Q

During which Indian festivals or celebrations is Butter Chicken commonly prepared?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, Butter Chicken is a popular dish for gatherings such as Diwali, weddings, and birthday parties because its rich flavor appeals to a wide range of guests.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic Butter Chicken uses boneless chicken thighs, ghee, Greek yogurt (or dahi), and a blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Substitutes like chicken breast, butter instead of ghee, or regular yogurt work, but they slightly alter texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

What other North Indian dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?

A

Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with buttery naan, garlic roti, or a side of dal makhani. A simple cucumber raita or mixed vegetable pakora adds contrast and balances the richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Butter Chicken special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Its signature characteristic is the silky, buttery tomato‑cream sauce that balances heat, acidity, and richness. The yogurt marinate keeps the chicken tender, creating a dish that is both comforting and luxurious.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken during the initial sear, adding butter when the sauce is too hot (causing separation), and not blending the tomato mixture smooth enough, which leads to a grainy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Butter Chicken recipe use cold butter added at the end instead of melting it earlier?

A

Adding cold butter at the end creates an emulsion that gives the sauce its glossy, velvety finish. If melted earlier, the butter can separate, resulting in a greasy texture.

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 and refrigerated. Keep the cooked chicken separate if you plan to freeze; combine and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto focuses on approachable Asian-inspired home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern kitchen shortcuts for everyday cooks.

channel

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