Butter Chicken
Make authentic Butter Chicken at home with this easy recipe featuring tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes!
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- spatula
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to marinate.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and darkens in color.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately over rice or with naan bread.
Notes
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, or up to overnight.