Sharwoods Butter Chicken Recipe: Rich and Creamy Indian Delight

I’ve perfected a rich and creamy Sharwoods Butter Chicken recipe that brings the authentic taste of India to your kitchen. This comforting dish features tender chicken in a velvety tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices.

By combining Sharwoods’ signature spice blends with heavy cream and butter, you’ll create a luxurious sauce that coats every piece of chicken. Serve with basmati rice or naan for a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Sharwoods Butter Chicken

Gather these premium ingredients for a rich and creamy Sharwoods Butter Chicken experience.

The Sharwoods Butter Chicken spice blend is essential here. Look for it in international or specialty stores. If you can’t find it, a mix of garam masala, cumin, and chili powder can work as a substitute. For the chicken, thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor. Most grocery stores carry boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

No heavy cream? Half-and-half is a good substitute, though it makes the dish richer. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt. If using canned tomatoes, San Marzano gives the best flavor. Fresh ginger adds a nice zing—grate it finely to avoid any texture issues. If you don’t have fresh ginger, dried ginger powder works at one-third the amount.

This dish improves with time, so it’s perfect for meal prep. It keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sharwoods Butter Chicken

Let’s create this rich and creamy Indian delight together – follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs into bite-sized pieces. I like to make sure they’re relatively uniform so they cook evenly. Once cut, season the chicken with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. The salt enhances the flavor while the pepper adds a nice subtle kick.

Next, heat 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (no need to clean it), reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter. Once melted, add the 4 cloves Garlic Cloves that you’ve minced and 1 tbsp Ginger that you’ve freshly grated. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen, signaling that the dish is coming together.

Now, add 2 tbsp Sharwoods Butter Chicken Spice Blend to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the butter and aromatics. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for developing the deep, complex flavor profile that makes butter chicken so beloved.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in 1 can Crushed Tomatoes and stir to combine with the spice mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The crushed tomatoes will add a rich, tangy element to the dish.

Stir in 1 cup Heavy Cream and 1 tsp Sugar. The cream will add a luxurious texture while the sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully coated and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Just before serving, sprinkle 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro over the top. The fresh herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Serve the Sharwoods Butter Chicken hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Best Sauces and Condiments for sharwoods butter chicken

Signature Sauce Enhancements

The Sharwoods Butter Chicken spice blend is the foundation of this dish’s flavor profile. To enhance it, I often add a teaspoon of garam masala and a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to deepen the flavor. These additions complement the existing spice blend beautifully.

Creamy Texture Variations

While heavy cream gives the signature richness, you can experiment with different creamy elements. Try substituting half-and-half for an even richer sauce, or Greek yogurt for a tangier version. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, adding a subtle coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the spices 🔥.

Tomato Variations

The type of tomatoes you use can significantly impact the sauce’s flavor. While crushed San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and low acidity, you can also use fresh tomatoes. Simply blanch, peel, and puree 2-3 ripe tomatoes for a fresher taste. For a quicker option, tomato puree or passata can be used as a base.

Additional Flavor Layers

To add more complexity to your butter chicken, consider incorporating other aromatics during the sautéing process. Caramelized onions add a sweet depth, while bay leaves provide a subtle aromatic note. You can also add a teaspoon of honey or 1-2 dried red chilies to balance the flavors according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread, which helps soak up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple roasted vegetable or a fresh green salad. The creamy sauce also pairs well with garlic naan or roti for a more authentic experience 🍛.