Description
Creamy, flavorful butter chicken made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes. This Indian-inspired dish features marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 cup tomato purée (or crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, ginger, and chili powder (if using), and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in tomato purée and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and sugar, then return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Notes
Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Paneer or tofu can be used for a vegetarian alternative.
Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
