Description
This authentic butter chicken recipe uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, mildly spiced dish that your whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers big flavor without complicated prep or exotic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 cup tomato puree (canned pureed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (about 15g)
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (about 10g)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, a pinch of salt, and half the minced garlic and ginger. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer for more tenderness.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and brown for about 4 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Lower heat to medium and add remaining garlic and ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add remaining garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir for 30 seconds to toast spices. Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and oil separates around edges.
- Return browned chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, lower heat to gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove lid and stir in heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy. Stir in lemon juice if using. Adjust salt and chili powder to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
Marinate chicken longer for more tenderness and flavor. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best taste. Butter is essential for authentic flavor. Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level. Serve with basmati rice or naan. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with added cream or water. Avoid freezing due to cream separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 430
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian recipe, easy dinner, homemade curry, creamy chicken, family-friendly, simple ingredients