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–+ servings
Delicious Indian Butter Chicken served with naan and rice

Indian Butter Chicken

A rich and comforting Indian dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for warming up chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1.5 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces Use thighs for juicy results.
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1-2 tbsp sugar or honey Optional, to balance acidity.

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces, stir to coat, and refrigerate while you prepare the sauce.

Brown the Chicken

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and sear until lightly browned (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and sauté onions until golden.
  • Stir in garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  • Add garam masala, turmeric, and paprika; cook until fragrant.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish the Dish

  • Return chicken to the pan along with any juices. Stir in cream and simmer gently until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is silky.
  • Taste and adjust salt, and add a touch of sugar or honey if you want a softer acidity. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice, with flatbread, or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

Use thighs for forgiving, juicy results; don’t skip browning for depth and texture; control heat gently while simmering; adjust thickness of the sauce with water or stock if needed. Prepare marinade and components the day before for ease.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Butter Chicken, Chicken Recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, Seasonal Cooking
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