Description
A rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Indian-inspired dish, this butter chicken comes together in under 40 minutes and tastes just like a restaurant favorite. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a luxurious tomato-based sauce with warm spices and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced or grated
1 can (14 oz / 400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar or honey
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika. Toast the spices for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato sauce and sugar, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Pour in the cream or coconut milk and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs for more tenderness and flavor.
Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for extra tenderness (optional).
Coconut milk works well for a dairy-free version.
Add lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Add peas or baby spinach to bulk up the dish.
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
