Butter Chicken Recipe

 Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian curry made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. It’s mildly spiced, full of flavor, and best enjoyed with naan or steamed basmati rice. The silky sauce and juicy chicken make it a dish everyone loves—especially when made at home.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup plain yogurt (for marinating)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Marinade

• Combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, half the garlic, half the ginger, garam masala, and salt in a bowl.

• Mix well, cover, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Marinating time: 1 hour

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Serving

• Serves 4

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   
   Heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:
   
   In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden. Stir in the remaining garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

3. Add Spices and Tomatoes:
   
   Mix in garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well, then pour in the tomato puree. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick and deep in color.

4. Add Cream and Chicken:
   
   Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt as needed.

5. Serve:
   
   Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Tips

• For extra flavor, use grilled or pan-seared chicken pieces.

• If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap half the cream for coconut milk.

• Add a little sugar or honey if the sauce tastes too tangy.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 420

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 30g

Butter Chicken brings together comfort and flavor in every bite—creamy, fragrant, and perfect for sharing around the table.