Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Recipe

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Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken recipe is all about making bold flavors accessible to home cooks. Think succulent marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, spiked with aromatic spices that transport you to the bustling streets of India. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for an Indian-inspired feast, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

How to make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

Jamie Oliver’s butter chicken is his take on the classic Indian dish Butter Chicken (also known as murgh makhani), but simplified for home cooking and often made a bit lighter and faster than traditional restaurant versions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500-600g chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped or grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes or 1 cup tomato puree
• ½ cup double cream (heavy cream)
• ½ cup chicken stock (optional, to adjust consistency)

For Garnishing & Serving:

• Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
• Extra butter (optional, for a luxurious finish)
• Steamed basmati rice, naan, or chapati

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken, and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, lemon juice, ginger, and garlic. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with olive oil (the oil prevents the butter from burning).
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger—Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the spices—ground coriander, paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release their aromas, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree) and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and darkens in color.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. In a separate frying pan, cook the marinated chicken pieces on medium-high heat until browned on the outside and nearly cooked through. (You don’t have to cook the chicken here fully—it will finish cooking in the sauce.)
2. Transfer the seared chicken to the butter chicken sauce, ensuring all the juices and flavors from the pan are included. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Pour the cream into the pan and stir gently. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and the flavors to meld.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency.
3. Taste and season with salt as needed. Add an extra knob of butter towards the end for added richness, if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Spoon the butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or serve with warm naan or chapati.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Optional: drizzle some additional cream on top for presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

If you’re looking to enhance the flavor or adapt the recipe to your preferences, here are some expert tips:

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Don’t skip this step!
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: If you can, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts—they’re fattier and stay more tender.
• Bloom the Spices: Cooking the spices in butter early on releases their oils, intensifying the flavors of the dish. Don’t rush this step.
• Balance the Heat: Adjust the chili powder or use fresh chilies according to your spice tolerance.
• Don’t Skimp on Butter: The dish is called “butter chicken” for a reason. A good amount of butter adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Smooth Sauce Tip: If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, blend the onion-tomato mixture before adding the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve over time, so don’t hesitate to make this dish a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.

What to serve with

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is a rich, indulgent dish with creamy, spiced tomato-based flavors that pair beautifully with a variety of sides. To balance the richness and elevate your meal, choosing the right accompaniments is key.

1. Rice Dishes

Rice is a staple accompaniment to butter chicken because it acts as a neutral, fluffy base that soaks up the flavorful sauce. Here are a few variations:

• Steamed Basmati Rice: The long grains of basmati rice complement the butter chicken’s creamy sauce perfectly. Cook the rice with a pinch of salt and a bit of butter for extra flavor.
• Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice): If you’d like rice with a hint of spice, opt for jeera rice—basmati rice cooked with sautéed cumin seeds, a bit of turmeric, and garnished with cilantro.
• Vegetable Pulao: A mildly seasoned rice dish with colorful veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, and beans) can add texture and variety to your Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken.

2. Indian Breads

Soft, warm bread is another classic pairing with butter chicken, allowing you to scoop up the sauce and enjoy every bit of flavor.

• Naan Bread: A favorite choice for butter chicken, naan is soft, pillowy, and perfect for mopping up the creamy curry. You can serve traditional plain naan or try garlic naan for extra flavor.
• Chapati / Roti: Lighter and thinner than naan, chapati or roti is a whole-wheat flatbread that complements the buttery sauce without making the meal overly heavy.
• Paratha: For a flakier, richer bread option, paratha (buttery, layered bread) is divine alongside butter chicken. You can serve it plain or stuffed with potatoes, paneer, or spinach for added variety.

3. Cooling Sides

Butter chicken has bold spices, so cooling sides can help balance the flavors and create a refreshing contrast.

• Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that cools the palate. Make cucumber raita by mixing plain yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt, or try boondi raita with crispy chickpea flour pearls.
• Salad: A fresh green salad (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes) dressed with lemon juice or a light vinaigrette pairs well with butter chicken.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the best things about cooking is its flexibility—you can always adapt a recipe based on the ingredients you have on hand, dietary preferences, or your personal taste. Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken recipe is no exception!

1. Substitute for Chicken

Butter chicken usually features tender chicken pieces, but if you’re avoiding meat or looking for alternatives, here are some options:

• Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, making them an excellent replacement for chicken breasts.
• Paneer (for a Vegetarian Option): Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a wonderful vegetarian alternative. Its mild flavor takes on the spices beautifully, and it retains its structure even when cooked in the curry.
• Tofu (for a Vegan Option): Firm tofu works well as a protein substitute. Pan-fry or bake the tofu cubes first to give them a nice texture before adding them to the sauce.
• Turkey or Shrimp: If you don’t have chicken on hand, turkey pieces work well as an alternative. For a seafood twist, you can use shrimp, but add them to the sauce only in the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.

2. Substitute for Yogurt (In the Marinade)

Plain yogurt is typically used for marinating the chicken, as its acidity helps tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. If you’re out of yogurt or need a substitute, here are some options:

• Buttermilk: Replace yogurt with buttermilk for a similar tangy effect. Use the same quantity as the recipe calls for yogurt.
• Coconut Milk (for Dairy-Free or Vegan): Use thick canned coconut milk as a substitute. It adds a mild sweetness, balancing the spices well.
• Sour Cream: Dilute sour cream with a little water or milk to replicate the yogurt texture and flavor.
• Lemon Juice or Vinegar + Milk: Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk to make a homemade buttermilk-like substitute.

3. Substitute for Butter

Butter is central to the buttery richness of the dish. But if you’re out of butter or want a lower-fat/lactose-free alternative, consider the following:

• Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is a traditional Indian ingredient and an ideal alternative to butter for its nutty, rich taste.
• Vegetable or Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free and lighter option, replace butter with a neutral oil (like vegetable oil) or coconut oil for a subtle coconut vibe.

4. Substitute for Heavy/Double Cream

Heavy or double cream adds silky richness to the butter chicken sauce. Here are substitutes:

• Coconut Cream or Thick Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free or vegan substitution, coconut cream (or the thick layer of coconut milk from a can) works perfectly and adds a slightly sweet, tropical flavor.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth to create a rich and creamy dairy-free substitute. Cashew cream adds a slightly nutty depth to the dish.
• Plain Yogurt: If you’re out of cream but have yogurt on hand, use full-fat yogurt. Mix it in carefully and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Half-and-Half or Light Cream: Use light cream or half-and-half if you want a slightly less indulgent version without sacrificing much creaminess.
• Milk + Cornstarch Slurry: Combine milk (warm it slightly) with a small amount of cornstarch to thicken it. This works as an emergency substitute for cream.

Final Thoughts

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. With its creamy, spiced sauce and perfectly tender chicken, this dish is destined to become a regular in your kitchen.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Nugget Recipe