Description
This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce infused with warm Indian spices. It’s an easy, better-than-takeout meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with naan or rice for a hearty comfort dish your family will love.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon garam masala
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, salt, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric. Add chicken and mix well. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add tomato paste and remaining spices. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
4. Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and simmering.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Marinate the chicken as long as possible for deeper flavor—overnight works best.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts can be substituted.
Don’t boil the cream—simmer gently to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg