Indian Butter Chicken

  |  
Jan 15, 2025

A rich and creamy Indian dish made with tender chunks of chicken in a spiced tomato sauce, best served with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 435cal
Carbohydrate: 14g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: 680mg

Difficulty Level: easy

20 min Prep
45 min Cook
1 hr 5 min Total
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces (discarding the marinade) and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan and mix well. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, uncovered. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  7. Serve Indian Butter Chicken hot with basmati rice or naan, ensuring each serving has plenty of the rich, creamy sauce to enjoy.