Dairy Free Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you’ve landed in the right place! This Dairy Free Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The rich flavors of coconut milk combined with aromatic spices make this dish satisfying and comforting without the heaviness of traditional butter chicken. You can whip it up on a hectic day or serve it to impress guests at your next dinner party. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or cauliflower rice.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, making dinner time even easier!
• Rich and Creamy: Coconut milk gives this dish its signature creaminess without any dairy, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Versatile and Flexible: Whether you need a quick dinner or want to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Dairy Free Butter Chicken is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup (114g) full fat coconut milk, coconut cream or coconut yoghurt (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) coconut oil, divided

For the Sauce

• 1 onion, finely diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 chili, stemmed, seeded and minced (see notes for type)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water
• 1/2 cup (64g) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek or kasoori methi(see notes)
• 1 cup (228g) full fat coconut milk or coconut cream(from a can)

Variations

One of the best things about this Dairy Free Butter Chicken is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

• Swap the protein: You can use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based version that’s still hearty and delicious.
• Add vegetables: Throw in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of chili pepper used.
• Try different creams: Experiment with cashew cream if you’re looking for another dairy-free alternative!

How to Make Dairy Free Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine your marinade ingredients: coconut milk, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. This step is crucial as it infuses your chicken with incredible flavor. Once mixed well, add in your chicken pieces. Make sure they are fully coated in the marinade—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor! Let this sit aside for at least 30 minutes; if you have more time, marinate overnight for an even richer taste.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large pot or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Once hot enough (you’ll know when it sizzles if you flick some water), add your marinated chicken in batches. Cooking them in batches prevents overcrowding which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Aim for about 3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Remove them from the pot and set aside; they will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

Using the same pot, add in your remaining coconut oil along with finely diced onions. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start turning translucent—that’s when their sweetness really comes out! Next, introduce your minced garlic, ginger, and chili pepper into the mix. Sautéing these together for about a minute will release their delightful aromas.

Step 4: Build Your Sauce

Now it’s time to make that luscious sauce! Lower your heat to medium-low and add tomato paste along with garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, and black pepper. Stir continuously as it cooks for just a few seconds; this helps bloom those spices’ flavors. If your pot looks dry at any point during this step, don’t hesitate to splash in some water—keeping everything nice and moist is key!

Step 5: Simmer Away

Pour in water along with sugar and salt then allow everything to simmer over medium heat for at least 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the sauce thickening up and deepening into that beautiful reddish-brown color we all love.

Step 6: Blend It Smooth

Take your pot off the heat and carefully transfer your sauce into a blender (or use an immersion blender). Blitz it until smooth—this step makes all the difference by giving you that velvety texture! Pour it back into your pot once blended.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Stir in your remaining coconut milk or cream until well combined then reintroduce your browned chicken pieces back into the sauce. Let everything simmer together over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. If you’re using dried fenugreek or kasoori methi now’s the time to mix it in!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

To serve up this delightful dish, top with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor alongside rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy every creamy bite! And don’t worry about leftovers—they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days!

I hope you enjoy making this Dairy Free Butter Chicken as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Dairy Free Butter Chicken

Creating a delicious Dairy Free Butter Chicken is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you make it perfect! Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) infuses the flavors deeply, making each bite incredibly tasty.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices yield a more robust flavor. If you can, grind your whole spices or buy them whole and grind them just before cooking. This adds an extra layer of aroma that dried spices simply can’t match.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your heat tolerance, feel free to adjust the amount of chili pepper in the recipe. You can start with a small amount and gradually add more until it suits your palate.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending the sauce not only smooths out the texture but also helps meld all the flavors together, resulting in a creamy, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Store Properly: Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and keeps those delicious flavors intact for days!

How to Serve Dairy Free Butter Chicken

Serving up your Dairy Free Butter Chicken is just as important as making it! Here’s how you can present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch, enhancing both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Basmati Rice: The long grains of basmati rice are perfect for soaking up that heavenly sauce. Its aromatic qualities pair beautifully with Indian spices.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. It has a subtle flavor and complements the richness of butter chicken nicely.
• Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread makes for an ideal vehicle for scooping up every last bit of sauce, enhancing your dining experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal while providing a delightful contrast in texture.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this Dairy Free Butter Chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dairy Free Butter Chicken is not only a delightful dish but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving a comforting meal. Here’s how to store and reheat it for maximum flavor:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within five days for the best taste and freshness.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to three months for optimal quality.
• Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• Alternatively, heat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Got questions about this recipe? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken for Dairy Free Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or even vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes for a plant-based version. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.

How do I make Dairy Free Butter Chicken spicier?

If you prefer more heat in your Dairy Free Butter Chicken, simply add more fresh chili peppers or include some red pepper flakes while cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What can I serve with Dairy Free Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice (white or brown), cauliflower rice, or even gluten-free naan bread. For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Dairy Free Butter Chicken! This recipe is not just delicious but also accommodating for various dietary needs. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying—perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy creating this fantastic dish and sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!