Description
This Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce with garam masala, garlic, and yogurt. Perfect for a comforting Indian dinner served with naan or rice. Ideal for busy weeknights and family meals.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 ½ cups tomato puree
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken and mix to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato puree and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let simmer 5 minutes more.
7. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and garnish with cilantro if desired.
8. Serve warm with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen.
You can substitute chicken breast if desired but cook carefully to avoid drying.
Freeze in portions for easy meal prep up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg