Description
This butter chicken recipe is creamy, rich, a little bit spicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s shockingly simple and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (for sauce)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (for sauce)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes, or overnight): In a bowl, mix ½ cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken (10 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce (10 minutes): In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Add 1 cup canned tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the Cream (5 minutes): Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine & Serve (5 minutes): Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over steamed rice or with warm naan.
Notes
[‘Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.’, ‘Use fresh spices for the best taste.’, ‘Adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or cayenne.’, ‘Sear the chicken well for added depth of flavor.’, ‘Use full-fat dairy for a rich, velvety sauce.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Indian Dinner, Easy Butter Chicken, Weeknight Dinner