Butter Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken in a velvety, spiced tomato-cream sauce. Ready in 45 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
14 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
15 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
16 - 2 teaspoons paprika
17 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
18 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
19 - 1 teaspoon sugar
20 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
21 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
22 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
# How to Make:
01 - Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside, reserving any juices.
03 - In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens noticeably and deepens in color.
05 - Reduce heat to low setting. Stir in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter until completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth velvety texture.
06 - Return chicken with any accumulated juices back to the pan. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and flavors have melded together.
07 - Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The velvety tomato cream sauce tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in 45 minutes
- Its incredibly forgiving and nearly impossible to mess up even on busy weeknights
02 -
- Do not skip the marinating time as it makes all the difference in texture and flavor penetration
- Letting the tomato base simmer longer than you think necessary creates that restaurant quality depth
03 -
- Crush dried fenugreek leaves between your palms before sprinkling over the dish for authentic flavor
- Letting the finished sauce rest for even 10 minutes before serving allows flavors to deepen