Butter Chicken Lasagna offers a captivating fusion of two beloved culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that embodies comfort and innovation. Chicken is marinated and cooked to perfection in a rich and buttery tomato sauce, and then generously layered between sheets of lasagna noodles. Topped with a lavish coating of melted cheese that turns golden and bubbly in the oven, each forkful of this masterpiece is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
Chicken
I used boneless chicken thighs and marinated them in spices and yogurt to achieve a succulent chicken. To cook the chicken I used neutral oil and cooked it on high heat. Try not to stir the chicken around until it is cooked from one side until it has a good color.
Sauce
This sauce, known for its velvety texture and delightful taste, combines creamy tomato sauce, spices, and a touch of butter or cream. I used fresh garden tomatoes, onion, ginger garlic, and the same spices I used for the marination of chicken. If the tomatoes are sour then you can also add 1 tsp of sugar to balance out the flavors.
Spices
The spices in this chicken recipe play a pivotal role in creating its signature flavor. I used cumin, coriander powder, red chili, Kashmiri chili, salt, and fenugreek leaves. This aromatic medley infuses the dish with layers of complexity, elevating the chicken and sauce to a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience.
Heavy cream
Finally, I have added 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of butter, right before serving which particularly adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the dish, balancing the spices and tangy tomato flavors with its rich and soothing presence.
What is Béchamel or white sauce?
Béchamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is a classic French sauce that serves as a base for many dishes. I whisked together equal parts of butter and flour to create a roux, then cooked it gently to eliminate the raw taste of flour. I have gradually added warm milk while stirring continuously, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
Other ingredients for butter chicken lasagna
Pasta sheets
For this easy version of lasagna, I used ready-to-bake lasagna sheets. So I spend less time cooking and prepping. They are ready to go in the oven to bake, just layer everything.
Cheese
Lasagna has a lot of cheese, I used fresh mozzarella and grated colby jack for layering the cheese in between the layers. I have sliced the fresh mozzarella and used a grated colby jack. It is best to grate your cheese for maximum freshness and cheesy texture.
Baking time
For a 9×13 lasagna dish, I bake it at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, and then for another 5-10 minutes uncovered. Once it’s nicely golden, take it out of the oven. Rest the lasagna for at least 20 minutes for the layers to set before cutting it.
How to serve Lasagna
It is important to rest the lasagna for at least 20 minutes before cutting it. Lasagna is a complete meal, you do not need a side dish, but if you want you can add a side salad. You can also add some crushed chilies and parmesan cheese on the side to serve it.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Ingredients for Butter chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs cut into small cubes
Marination for chicken
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili
Ingredients for sauce
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Spices for the butter chicken sauce
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp sugar optional see note
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Other ingredients for butter chicken
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- Cut chicken into small cubes and marinate with all ingredients mentioned in the marination.
Make tomato sauce
- Slice onions and tomatoes.
- In a pan add 2 tbsp of oil, add sliced onions, and cook them until they start getting brown. You are not going to brown them though. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add all of the spices mentioned for the sauce. Add diced tomatoes. Mix and let them cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. After 15 minutes blend them to make a sauce.
Cook the chicken
- In a separate pan add 2 tbsp of oil and then add marinated chicken. Cook on high heat from one side. Once cooked from one side mix and cook the other side. It'll take a total of 8-10 minutes over high heat.
- Now combine the chicken and sauce.
- Sprinkle fenugreek leaves, add butter and heavy cream.