Finger-licking Butter Chicken! The quintessential Indian dish that is found in New York, London, Sydney and often times, the smallest of Indian restaurants in points in between. Originating in the Indian sub-continent, it is a delicious, creamy, tomato-based curry with spice-infused chicken bites and can be as mild or spicy as you like. It’s simple and finger-licking good! Make it once and you’ll be making it again and again!

Marination:

• 1 lb boneless chicken cut into bite size cubes
• 3/4 tsp oil
• 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp red sweet paprika powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt

Gravy:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 green cardamoms
• 4 cloves
• 1 cup red onion finely diced
• 2 tbsp ginger – finely minced
• 2 tbsp garlic – finely minced
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 20 cashew nuts
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 3/4 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp whipping cream

Method:

1. Preparing the chicken:
   1. Marinate the chicken: In a Ziploc bag (or a container), mix all the ingredients mentioned under marination above with the exception of the chicken. When it is mixed well, add in the chicken and massage the marinate into the chicken. Cover/Close Ziploc and keep overnight in the fridge or 48 hours. The longer it rests, the more tender. I often buy chicken, cut it up and divide it between different marinades and freeze it for when needed
   2. Grill or cook the chicken:
      • In Air Fryer / Ninja Foodi: Pre-heat the Foodi with the basket for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with a little oil. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer making sure they aren’t touching. Spray the top of the chicken pieces with oil. Air Crisp on high for 360°F for 5 minutes. Then flip the pieces and continue on Air Crisp for another 3-5 minutes until the internal temperature is at least 165°F. Remove and place on a cooling rack/plate
      • On Stove Top: Add 1 tsp butter to a pan. When heated, add the chicken and marinade to the pan. Don’t overcrowd the chicken. Fry on high flame until liquid evaporates and chicken is cooked through.
2. Prepare the gravy:
   • In a blender, make a smooth puree of the cashews and tomato paste and set aside
   • In a wide pan, heat the butter. Sauté the cardamom and clove till the cloves splutter and cardamom plumps up, and add in the onions
   • Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes and add in the ginger and garlic. Continue to sauté the mix for 2-3 minutes on medium flame. The onions should be soft and translucent
   • Now add in the cashew, tomato puree and stir. Fry this mix on medium-low flame for 2-3 minutes
   • Add the chili powder, coriander powder, salt and sugar and continue to fry this mix until the puree starts to thicken and leave the sides of the vessel
   • Add the milk and continue to stir to form a gravy (Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired)
   • Simmer for 4-5 minutes on a low flame
   • Add in the chicken and simmer for 4-5 minutes
   • Add in the garam masala and the kasuri methi and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes
   • Switch off the stove and pour in the cream and let it rest. No need to stir it in
   • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice