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Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then simmered in a buttery tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe balances aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin with the indulgent texture of butter and heavy cream.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 3/4 cup Full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala)
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder
  • 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 large Onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 29-oz can Tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala)
  • 1 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
  • Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, garam masala, cumin, sea salt, ground ginger, and chili powder. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and stir well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance the flavors.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Using kitchen shears, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly; there is no need to wipe off excess marinade completely, just discard what doesn’t stick to the chicken.
  3. Sauté Onions: In a large sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and golden brown.
  4. Add Garlic: Create a small well in the center of the onions and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, then stir the garlic into the onions evenly.
  5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir in garam masala, cumin, ground ginger, chili powder, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly and taste the sauce, adjusting salt if needed, knowing flavors will deepen as it cooks.
  6. Cook the Chicken in Sauce: Add the cut chicken pieces to the pan, arranging them in a single layer and spooning sauce over to cover fully. Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  7. Optional Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving if desired. Serve hot with rice, naan, or your preferred side.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs are recommended for moisture and flavor; chicken breasts can be used but may be less tender.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your heat preference.
  • Leftover butter chicken tastes great the next day after flavors have melded.
  • Serve with steamed basmati rice or Indian breads like naan or roti.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/easy-butter-chicken-recipe/