Description
Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout) is a creamy, aromatic dish that delivers the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dining table. This recipe is not only quick, taking just 25 minutes to prepare and cook, but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its rich sauce made from fragrant spices, this Butter Chicken rivals your favorite takeout, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1½ teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft; add garlic, ginger, garam masala, and chili powder (if using).
- Stir in tomato paste and purée; simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cream (and sugar if desired) and return chicken to the skillet; simmer for 5–7 minutes until creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. Adjust spice levels based on personal preference by varying chili powder.