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Indian Butter Chicken

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken that Will Elevate Your Dinner

Experience the rich flavors of Indian Butter Chicken, a creamy and savory dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 pound Boneless chicken thighs Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup Plain yogurt Greek yogurt works great for a thicker consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Fresh lime juice can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons Garam masala Adjust according to your taste preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder Feel free to adjust based on your preferred spice tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Ghee can be a healthier alternative.
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped Sauté until golden for best results.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
  • 1 cup Tomato puree
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Coconut cream can be a wonderful dairy-free substitute.
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro For garnish.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • large pan
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic Indian Butter Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Add the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, or until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant.
  4. Add the marinated chicken along with any excess marinade to the pan. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the tomato puree. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. Lower the heat further, then gently stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Allow it to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes while tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and garnish your Indian Butter Chicken generously with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot with steaming basmati rice or warm naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is great for meal prep! Prepare a big batch and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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