Smoked Butter Chicken on the Yoder

If you’re looking to elevate a classic dish with bold, smoky flavor, this smoked butter chicken is the perfect recipe for your Yoder YS640S. By cooking everything in a cast-iron skillet right on the smoker, the dish takes on a rich, wood-fired aroma that perfectly complements the creamy, spicy, butter chicken sauce. This simple yet impressive recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special. The Yoder’s precision and versatility make it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your backyard.

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Recipe from @terri.harrigan on Instagram

Learn more about the Yoder Smokers YS640S here: https://www.yodersmokers.com/

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the Yoder Smoker: Set your Yoder smoker to 250°F with your choice of wood for a smoky, aromatic flavor.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, smoked paprika, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Add the diced chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a cast iron skillet on the smoker grates. Add the oil and butter, allowing it to melt and combine. Stir in the diced onions, green bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic.
  4. Add Chicken to the Skillet: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it evenly. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to cook and absorb the smoky flavor. Smoke for 30 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle in cayenne pepper for heat and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer in the smoker for another 20 minutes.
  6. Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Let the skillet smoke for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan bread, rice, or both!

Pro Tip: For even more depth of flavor, lightly char the green peppers over direct heat on the smoker before dicing and adding them to the skillet.