Description
This Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with warm Indian spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this butter chicken pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Includes tender marinated chicken, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and classic garam masala flavor—just like your favorite Indian restaurant!
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
½ cup Greek yogurt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil (for searing)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear marinated chicken until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add more garlic and ginger if desired. Stir in tomato paste and remaining garam masala. Cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.
Notes
Marinating longer (overnight) yields more flavorful, tender chicken.
Use tomato paste for a thicker sauce or puree for a smoother texture.
Adjust spice level to taste—add cayenne for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 155mg