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Butter Chicken Meatballs


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Shuchi
  • Total Time: 26 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A creamy and satisfying twist on traditional Indian Butter Chicken, featuring homemade chicken meatballs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the chicken meatballs

  • 2 lbs (900 g) minced chicken
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) thick yogurt (greek works best)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground coriander powder
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) garlic ginger paste
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh coriander
  • Salt to taste

For the sauce

  • 2 tsp garlic ginger paste
  • 4 fresh green chilies, slit
  • 4 tbsp (60 ml) melted butter
  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 1 tsp methi/fenugreek seeds
  • 340 gm tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp red chili powder
  • 10 almonds, blanched, peeled and made into a paste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp kasuri methi/dried fenugreek leaves
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 pint (360 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine minced chicken, red chili powder, yogurt, garam masala, and ground coriander powder. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Oil your hands and shape the marinated chicken mixture into 25-30 small meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the tomato puree, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate.
  7. Add the fenugreek leaves and mix well.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Add the meatballs back into the sauce and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • This dish can be prepared in advance and frozen in batches for up to two weeks.
  • Simply defrost and reheat when ready to serve.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder.
  • Serve with naan or rice for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 24 hours
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 25
  • Carbohydrates: 10
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 100