Description
Homemade Butter Chicken: a rich, creamy, 5-ingredient cozy epic that brings warm Indian flavors to your kitchen with easy steps and comforting results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
- Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and sauté onion until soft and golden. Add garlic, ginger, and remaining spices, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Reduce heat and add cream. Stir to create a smooth, rich sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as desired.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with warm basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to overnight) deepens flavor and tenderness.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt; adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Contains gluten only if served with gluten-containing sides; the sauce itself is gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free ingredients.
- Best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or naan bread for a complete cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: Approx. 540
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Homemade Butter Chicken, 5-ingredient, creamy curry, Indian chicken, butter chicken recipe, cozy dinner