Are you a fan of butter chicken?
This delicious Indian dish is a favorite for many, but have you ever wondered how long the sauce lasts in the fridge?
Whether you’re meal prepping or just trying to make the most of your leftovers, it’s important to know how long you can keep your butter chicken sauce before it goes bad.
In this article, we’ll explore the storage instructions and shelf life of butter chicken sauce, as well as some tips for marinating and reheating.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this mouth-watering dish!
How Long Does Butter Chicken Sauce Last In The Fridge?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, if stored correctly in an air-tight container, butter chicken sauce can last up to 4 days in the fridge. It’s important to note that once opened, the sauce must be refrigerated and used within a week.
If you’re planning on making butter chicken ahead of time, there are a few ways to prepare in advance. The butter sauce can be made and blended, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. You can also marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking, or broil the chicken and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
When reheating butter chicken, it’s important to only reheat the amount that you plan on consuming in one sitting. Chicken is only safe to reheat once, so be sure to store any leftovers properly and consume them within 3-4 days.
What Is Butter Chicken Sauce?
Butter chicken sauce is a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce that is typically used to make the popular Indian dish, butter chicken (also known as murgh makhani). The sauce is made by blending together various spices, including cumin, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, and cream. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with most meats, vegetables, and seafood.
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, it’s recommended to marinate it in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking. The longer the chicken is marinated, the more vibrant and deep the flavors will be. If you’re short on time, you can still make delicious butter chicken by marinating the chicken for as little as 15 minutes.
Butter chicken sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week after opening. However, it’s important to note that the sauce contains no preservatives and must be refrigerated once opened. If you’re planning to keep the sauce for longer than a week, it’s best to freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
When reheating butter chicken sauce, it’s recommended to do so on a frying pan or in the microwave. It’s important to only reheat the amount that you plan on consuming in one sitting and to never reheat chicken more than once.
How To Store Butter Chicken Sauce
Storing butter chicken sauce properly is crucial to ensure its freshness and safety for consumption. Here are some tips on how to store butter chicken sauce:
1. Refrigerate: Allow the sauce to cool for about an hour before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date it was made.
2. Freeze: If you’re planning on storing the sauce for a longer period of time, you can freeze it. Allow the sauce to cool for about 2 hours before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Portion: Instead of freezing the entire batch in one container, consider freezing the sauce in portions. This will make it easier for you to reheat and consume only what you need.
4. Use airtight containers: When storing butter chicken sauce, it’s important to use airtight containers to prevent air from getting in and spoiling the sauce.
5. Label and date: Be sure to label your containers with the date and contents, so you know when it was made and what’s inside.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your butter chicken sauce stays fresh and safe for consumption.
Signs Of Spoiled Butter Chicken Sauce
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of spoiled butter chicken sauce to avoid any potential health risks. One of the first signs of spoiled sauce is a sour or off smell. If the sauce smells rancid or unpleasant, it’s best to discard it immediately.
Another sign of spoiled butter chicken sauce is the presence of mold. If you notice any mold growing on the surface of the sauce, do not attempt to salvage it by simply wiping off the mold. Mold can spread quickly and can be harmful to your health, so it’s best to throw out the entire container.
If the sauce appears to be drying out or has become discolored, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. In this case, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the sauce.
It’s also important to note that if you have any doubts about the safety of your butter chicken sauce, it’s always better to throw it out and make a fresh batch rather than risk getting sick from consuming spoiled food.
Tips For Marinating And Reheating Butter Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an important step in making delicious butter chicken. To ensure that the chicken absorbs all the flavors, it’s recommended to marinate it for at least one hour. For best results, marinate the chicken in the fridge overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
When it comes to reheating butter chicken, there are a few options. One of the easiest ways is to reheat it in the microwave for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken after 2 minutes to ensure that it’s heated evenly. Alternatively, you can use a preheated oven to bake it for at least 20 minutes, or use a stovetop to warm it for 3 to 5 minutes.
To store leftover butter chicken, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, transfer it into a freezer-safe airtight container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen butter chicken, allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight before following the reheating instructions mentioned above.
It’s important to note that if you’re planning on adding vegetables to your butter chicken, they should be included once the chicken is cooked. Additionally, if you find that your frozen butter chicken has a grainy texture after thawing, simply add a bit more cream when reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
