Pete Evans shares his recipe to cooking the perfect butter chicken (2024)

Celebrity chef Pete Evans (pictured) has dished out his simple recipe to cooking the perfect butter chicken

Australian celebrity chef Pete Evans has dished out his simple recipe to cooking the perfect butter chicken - and you don't need any dairy or grains.

The My Kitchen Rules judge said he replaced the traditional butter and rice for healthier alternatives to recreate his own 'paleo' version which he insiststaste 'good, if not better, than the original'.

The TV personality revealed his take on the popular Indian curry dish after his easy-to-follow recipe went viral on social media this week.

'I took the best butter chicken recipe I had and adapted it to be paleo focused,' Evans told Daily Mail Australia.

He explained the benefits of his dish - including simple ingredient swaps.

'I swapped out the traditional butter as dairy can be problematic for a minimum of 70 per cent of the population - so again we attempt to make it anti-inflammatory for all while still ensuring the taste and maximising the health benefits,' he said.

The MKR judge said he replaced the traditional butter and rice for healthier alternatives to recreate a paleo version which he insists taste 'good, if not better, than the original'

The butter chicken recipe is available in his Family Food cookbook (pictured)

'The dish is full of healthy animal fat and protein which is the foundation for long term sustainable heath.It also has medicinal spices that are not only great for our body - such as turmeric for its anti-inflammatory qualities - but it makes the dish taste absolutely delicious too.

'I have teamed this with cauliflower rice instead of normal rice for a great low carb and keto version which adds a ton more nutrition than the traditional rice.No dairy, no grains and still absolutely delicious.'

His recipe, which is available in his Family Food cookbook, has been popular among families across Australia, with many parents sharing their creations after following his steps.

'The one thing that brings a smile to my face are parents who have very fussy eaters - their children and sometimes even their husbands or wives - telling me that it is the first dish that the kids absolutely love from the first mouthful to last,' Evans said.

'So for me this opens up the doors for what parents can feed their kids.'

RELATED ARTICLES

  • Previous
  • 1
  • Next
  • Celebrity Italian chef reveals the five pantry items you... This is what the PERFECT lunchbox looks like: Doctor shares... How many glasses of water you REALLY need a day: Experts... Now THAT'S a pancake! Famous 'jiggly' Japanese soufflés come...

Share this article

Share

809 shares

Many Australians have created Evans' recipe at home - and it's been a crowd favourite

The chef suggested using chicken thighs instead of breast because he finds the meat is 'juicier' and full of flavours.

'You can also try it with chicken livers or swap it over to fish or prawns too,' he said.

'The recipe is super quick, absolutely delicious and so healthy and everyone in the family can eat it... Long term sustainable health is in your hands if you choose.'

Many Australians said they preferred his recipe because it included real ingredients instead of the pre-made sauces or the store-bought processed products.

'The paleo way of life is not meant to be restrictive, as you can see from this lovely butter chicken recipe,' Evans said in his cookbook.

'All the nasties have been replaced with good-quality ingredients that makeit as good, if not better, than the original. I prefer chicken thighs for their superior flavour and tenderness. And be adventurous with your vegetable component.

'Try eggplant, okra,zucchini, asparagus, pumpkin, sweet potato and Asian water spinach. The rice has been replaced with cauliflower "rice" but broccoli "rice" is also a big hit or try a mixture of both.'

The Family Food cookbook is on sale for $39.99.

Pete Evan's butter chicken recipe

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 120ml coconut oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1–2 pinches of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 x 400 ml can coconut cream
  • 700 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • coriander leaves, to serve

METHOD

Heat 4 tablespoons of the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the garlic and spices. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the salt, lemon juice, coconut cream and the remainder of the coconut oil and mix well.

Turn the heat up to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the chicken and stir until well coated with the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Garnish with the coriander and serve with cauliflower rice.

CAULIFLOWER RICE

Serves 4

  • 1 cauliflower, florets and stalk roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the cauliflower in a food processor and pulse into tiny, fine pieces that look like rice.

Place the coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower and lightly cook for 4–6 minutes, or until softened. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

<!- - ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/il/femail/food/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 - ->

Advertisem*nt

Pete Evans shares his recipe to cooking the perfect butter chicken (2024)

FAQs

Why butter chicken is the best? ›

Unlike some other bold and spicy curries, butter chicken has a delicate mixture of spices that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of Indian bread like naan, roti, or rice/biryani that offers a satisfying and complete dining experience.

Why is butter chicken called butter chicken? ›

It was originally created by Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef at Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, in 1947. Although murgh makhani translates to butter chicken, its name has nothing to do with butter. Instead, it gets its name from how much yoghurt and butter are used in its recipe (the word makhani means luxurious).

Why is the chicken in butter chicken red? ›

Notes: – This ground chilli powder is made from Kashmiri chillies, a variety known for its lower heat rating and intense red colour. It's widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in tandoori and butter chicken. It's well worth seeking out online or at an Asian grocer to give this dish its colour and smoky flavour.

Does Pete Evans have a wife? ›

What thickens butter chicken? ›

Yoghurt or heavy cream:

Stir them in gently, as high heat may cause curdling. These ingredients are ideal for creating a luxurious texture in dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala.

Is butter chicken healthier than chicken tikka? ›

Although both dishes have high levels of saturated fat, chicken remains the preferred choice for maintaining good health. Compared to other meats, chicken dishes tend to be more nutritious. Chicken tikka masala is a healthier option than butter chicken as it contains less fat (7 grams vs. 4 grams) and more protein.

What is the closest dish to butter chicken? ›

Butter Chicken is a Punjabi favourite, it's been said that it's the closest dish to the Chicken tikka masala.

Is butter chicken healthy? ›

As a result, one serving of butter chicken makes up more than half of your daily protein consumption. Is butter chicken healthy? Butter chicken is high in fat and protein and, so, a keto-friendly recipe. It is low in carbs and embodiment for those on the keto diet.

Does butter chicken taste like curry? ›

Butter chicken is a curry

At its very core, a curry is a dish cooked using a blend of spices and aromatics. There are, like, hundreds of spices in Indian cuisine, and it still blows my mind how restaurants expertly balance all of these nuanced flavors.

Why is my butter chicken tasteless? ›

The base ingredients that are sour or tangy need to be there in the correct quantities. You need a lot of yoghurt and lime juice to marinate the chicken. When you add the butter, make sure you have a lot of rich, ripe tomatoes. Using pale or unripened tomatoes will make the dish quite bland.

Why is my butter chicken chewy? ›

You're not cooking the chicken right

Butter chicken tastes good only when the chicken is cooked right. If it's hard and rubbery, it will obviously be difficult to chew and spoil your entire experience of relishing the dish. Always cook the chicken on a low-medium flame to prevent it from becoming hard.

What is a substitute for tomato paste in butter chicken? ›

How to Substitute Tomato Sauce or Puree for Tomato Paste. You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

What is Pete Evans' diet? ›

I caught up with Pete and asked about his philosophy, which is simple. “I don't eat sugar, gluten, wheat or other grains, dairy, or animals that haven't been humanely raised and allowed to live a natural life.

Is Pete Evans paleo or keto? ›

Evans is also a motivational speaker, performing national tours in Australia. He first learned of the paleo-diet after reading the works of Nora Gedgaudas. Some of his claims on fluoride and calcium have been challenged by the Australian Medical Association.

Why did Pete Evans leave My Kitchen Rules? ›

In April 2020, Pete was fined $25,000 by the TGA for promoting a $15,000 lamp he claimed could treat COVID-19. Subsequently, Pete and Channel Seven mutually agreed to part ways – and MKR effectively went on hiatus before returning in 2022. Pete left My Kitchen Rules in May 2020 amid controversial social media posts.

Why is butter chicken is your Favourite food? ›

We tried to find specific reasons why this dish is loved by people across the country and came up with these: Creamy sauce: The dish is recognized for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, which is created with butter, cream, and a blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander.

Why do I love butter chicken? ›

Butter Chicken is a tasty, sweet dish that pairs well with Basmati rice or naan bread. When pairing this, you could include Tandoori chicken, mild curry, and basmati rice - served alongside steamed vegetables.

What is an interesting fact about butter chicken? ›

Did you know that authentic Butter Chicken is prepared in a tandoor, a traditional Indian clay oven? The chicken is first cooked in the tandoor, giving it a smoky and charred flavor, before being added to the luscious tomato-based curry.

Is butter chicken healthy or unhealthy? ›

Is butter chicken good for the heart? Both butter and cream are high in saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and the chance of heart disease. Relying on your recipe, one serving of butter chicken may include about 28 grams of whole fat and 12 grams of saturated fat.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5832

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.