Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken with the convenience of a sandwich, making it perfect for sharing with friends at a weekend gathering. Plus, the combination of creamy yogurt marinade and tangy lime wedges brings such a burst of flavor that it feels like a gourmet treat right at home!

Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches are what I love to make. They combine the richness of butter chicken with the convenience of a sandwich.

The boneless, skinless chicken thighs I use are marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and good, hearty spices. (You wouldn’t eat a sandwich if too many spices were in the filling—so please note the sambal when you reach the end of the recipe!) I *do* use garam masala, a potent mix of spices, but it’s mostly in the chicken marinade.

Very little, almost none, makes it into the sauce that’s slathered onto the chicken. Collins and I had no recipe for the sauce.

We winged it and came up with something stupidly delicious.

Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: High in protein, tender, rich flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy texture, probiotic-rich, boosts marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy zest, brightens flavors, tenderizes meat.
• Garam Masala: Warm spice blend, adds depth, aromatic.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Pungent, adds spice, enhances savory taste.
• Butter: Adds richness, smooth mouthfeel, buttery aroma.
• Tomato Puree: Base of sauce, adds sweetness, natural acidity.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy finish, smooth texture, balances spices.
• Chili Powder: Provides heat, boosts metabolism, vibrant color.

Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 6 sandwich buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make this Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

2. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and bake it for 20-25 minutes until it is cooked through and has a slight char.

3. As the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. After cooking the chicken, take it from the oven and permit it to cool somewhat. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken.

5. Incorporate the shredded chicken into the pan containing the sauce. Stir to combine so that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

6. Lightly crisp the crusts of the sandwich buns in a very dry pan or in the oven. Toast the insides until they are barely warm.

7. Construct the sandwiches by placing a plentiful amount of the pulled butter chicken onto each bottom bun half.

8. Put shredded lettuce and sliced red onions on top of the chicken.

9. Top each sandwich with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

10. Accompany the pulled butter chicken sandwiches with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk or spoon
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Baking sheet or baking dish
5. Oven
6. Large skillet
7. Stove
8. Spatula or spoon
9. Forks (for shredding chicken)
10. Pan or oven (for toasting buns)
11. Knife (for slicing onions and possibly cilantro)
12. Cutting board
13. Serving plates or platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor in the end.
• Q: Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?A: Regular yogurt or even sour cream can be used, but the flavor and consistency may differ a bit.
• Q: Can I make the butter chicken mixture ahead of time?A: Yes, the chicken can be marinated in the yogurt and spice mixture and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?A: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free yogurt in place of regular yogurt for a version that’s free of all dairy.
• Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?A: To increase the spice level to your liking, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Any leftover pulled butter chicken should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It can stay good for up to 3 days.
• Q: What sides pair well with these sandwiches?A: Accompany with a portion of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.

Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup plain Greek yogurt – For a completely different flavor, use 1 cup coconut milk yogurt or 1 cup sour cream.
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste—Replace with 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger mixed with 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
1 teaspoon garam masala – Replace with 1 teaspoon curry powder for a slightly different spice mix.
2 tablespoons butter – Use 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil if you want a dairy-free option.
1 cup of tomato puree – This can be substituted with crushed tomatoes, in equal measure, if you desire a chunkier texture in your dish.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Time For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

2. Charring Technique To get a nice char on the chicken without overcooking it, consider using a grill or a stovetop grill pan for a few minutes after baking. This adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

3. Cream Consistency If you prefer a creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream slightly and simmer for a bit longer to thicken. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.

4. Toasting Buns Brush the buns lightly with melted butter or olive oil before toasting. This adds a subtle richness and prevents them from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

5. Freshness Factor Add a bit of fresh chopped mint along with the cilantro for garnishing. This will provide an extra layer of freshness and complexity to the sandwich, making it even more vibrant.