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A plate of creamy Butter Chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served with steaming basmati rice and naan bread.

Better Than Takeout: Butter Chicken

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Discover how to make mouthwatering homemade butter chicken that’s richer, creamier, and more flavorful than takeout! This authentic Indian recipe features tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, finished with butter and cream for an indulgent experience. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a special gathering, this butter chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for bold flavors and creamy textures.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the tomato sauce. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices as desired.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for the ultimate experience.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili powder used.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg