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Indian Butter Chicken

Rich, creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and velvety sauce perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • salt to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add diced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until spices become aromatic and slightly darkened.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine with the spice mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and sugar. Mix thoroughly until sauce becomes smooth and creamy with a beautiful orange color.
  8. Return cooked chicken pieces to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently to coat chicken completely with sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
  10. Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice with warm naan bread on the side.

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Add splash of cream when reheating if sauce has thickened. Adjust spice level to taste.