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A plate of creamy butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served with steamed rice and naan bread.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

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Discover the rich, creamy flavors of homemade butter chicken with this simple and authentic Indian recipe. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce topped with creamy heaviness or coconut milk. An easy-to-make meal that brings the warm, aromatic flavors of India right to your kitchen, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp garam masala; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add remaining butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the sauce, then add heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken longer or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust spice levels according to your taste preferences.
  • Can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for heavy cream.
  • Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Dairy-Free (if using coconut milk)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg