Description
A warm, creamy, and rich butter chicken dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals, made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes or 3 large fresh tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garam masala in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and chill 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until light brown.
- Make the sauce base: In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add remaining oil or 1 tablespoon butter and chopped onion. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and light golden.
- Toast spices and add tomato: Add cumin, remaining garam masala, and chili powder. Stir 30–60 seconds until aromatic. Pour in crushed tomato and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir and simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): Cool slightly and blend until smooth if desired.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in cream and sugar if using. Add the seared chicken and simmer gently 8–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Add butter and garnish: Off heat, stir in remaining butter for a velvety finish. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add cayenne or chopped green chilies while cooking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian recipe, creamy chicken dish, weeknight dinner, easy recipe