Go Back

Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy Indian dish with marinated chicken in a velvety sauce, perfect for pairing with naan bread or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chickening It Up
  • 1 lb chicken (cut into pieces) Use chicken thighs or breasts based on preference.
  • 1 cup yogurt Full-fat yogurt preferred for richer flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt to taste salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter Use real, unsalted butter for best results.
Aromatics That Sing
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch ginger (minced)
Saucy Delights
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Marination
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt until well blended.
  2. Add chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better).
Sautéing
  1. Heat butter in a large, heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, then introduce the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Cooking Chicken
  1. Stir in the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through.
Making the Sauce
  1. Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling gently and have thickened slightly.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, pairing it with warm naan bread or fluffy rice for a complete experience.

Notes

Consider adding spinach for added nutrients or swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a lighter dairy-free version. Use wide, shallow bowls for presentation, and pair with chilled Riesling or mango lassi.