Deliciously Easy Butter Chicken with Premade Sauce: A Flavorful Recipe Guide

Introduction

If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine at home, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explore how to create a mouthwatering butter chicken dish using premade Indian simmer sauce. Whether you're a busy professional, a culinary novice, or just someone who craves the delectable taste of butter chicken, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of simple yet exquisite Indian cooking.

Using Indian Simmer Sauce: A Quick Overview

Before we get into the details of our butter chicken recipe, let's address a common query: How do you use Indian simmer sauce? Indian simmer sauces, like Patak's or Sharwood's, are pre-made blends of spices and ingredients that simplify the process of preparing Indian dishes. These sauces are designed to bring the rich, complex flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen without the need for an extensive list of ingredients or hours of cooking. Using these sauces is as easy as 1-2-3, making it an ideal solution for those with busy schedules or limited cooking experience.

The Difference Between Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala

Butter chicken and Tikka Masala are two popular Indian dishes that may seem similar but have distinctive differences. While both are known for their creamy tomato-based sauces, the primary contrast lies in the preparation of the chicken. Butter chicken typically features tender, marinated chicken pieces, while Tikka Masala is made with grilled, marinated chicken chunks. The spices and flavors in the sauces also have slight variations. Butter chicken is usually milder and creamier, whereas Tikka Masala has a bolder and spicier profile.

What is the Sauce in Butter Chicken Made Of?

The sauce in butter chicken is a velvety, flavorful combination of ingredients that include:

Tomatoes: 

The base of the sauce is often tomato puree or diced tomatoes. These provide a tangy and slightly sweet undertone.

Cream: 

To achieve that rich and creamy consistency, heavy cream or yogurt is added. It balances the spice and tomato flavors.

Spices: 

Common spices include garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. These give butter chicken its characteristic warmth and depth.

Butter: 

Of course, it wouldn't be butter chicken without butter. It contributes to the dish's smooth texture and adds a delicious richness.

Is Butter Chicken Sauce the Same as Curry?

Butter chicken sauce is not the same as a traditional curry sauce. While both share some common spices and ingredients, curry sauces are more versatile and can vary widely in flavor. Curry is a broader term, encompassing a range of dishes with different regional influences. Butter chicken, on the other hand, is a specific dish known for its creamy tomato sauce and distinct flavor.

How to Make Your Jar Butter Chicken Even Better

If you're using a jar of butter chicken simmer sauce, you can elevate the taste with a few simple steps:

Sauté Aromatics: 

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with a little oil or butter. This adds depth to the sauce.

Customize the Heat: 

Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.

Enhance the Creaminess: 

For an even creamier texture, mix in extra heavy cream or yogurt.

Fresh Herbs:

Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro, mint, or a squeeze of lemon for a burst of freshness.

Protein Choices: 

While chicken is traditional, you can experiment with other proteins like paneer or tofu.

How to Use Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce

Using butter chicken simmer sauce couldn't be simpler:

In a large pan, sauté your choice of protein until it's cooked through.

Pour the premade butter chicken sauce over the cooked protein and heat through.

Adjust the spice and creaminess as desired, following the tips mentioned earlier.

Serve with hot basmati rice or naan bread.

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored the world of easy and delicious butter chicken made with premade Indian simmer sauce. We've answered common questions, from using the sauce to differentiating it from curry and provided tips to enhance the flavor of your dish. By following these steps, you'll be able to savor the delightful taste of butter chicken in the comfort of your own home. So why wait? Get ready to enjoy an authentic Indian culinary experience without the hassle and fuss.

I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any specific changes, additional information, or further requests, please let me know, and I'd be happy to assist you further

FAQs

What is Indian simmer sauce, and how do I use it?

Indian simmer sauce is a pre-made sauce containing a blend of Indian spices and ingredients. To use it, simply cook your protein, pour the sauce over it, and heat through. Adjust the flavor to your liking by customizing the spice level and creaminess.

How does butter chicken differ from Tikka Masala?

Butter chicken and Tikka Masala are both creamy, tomato-based dishes, but the key difference lies in the preparation of the chicken. Butter chicken features marinated, tender pieces of chicken, while Tikka Masala is made with grilled, marinated chicken chunks and has a spicier profile.

What are the essential ingredients in butter chicken sauce?

The sauce in butter chicken typically consists of tomatoes, cream, spices like garam masala and cumin, and, of course, butter. These ingredients come together to create the dish's signature flavor.

Can I make a jar of butter chicken sauce taste better?

Yes, you can enhance the flavor of a jar of butter chicken sauce by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger, adjusting the level of spiciness, adding extra cream, and garnishing with fresh herbs.

Is butter chicken sauce the same as curry sauce?

No, butter chicken sauce is not the same as a traditional curry sauce. While they share some common spices, curry is a broader term that encompasses a variety of dishes with different regional influences.