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Butter Chicken (Easy, Creamy & Flavor-Packed Recipe)

A creamy, flavor-packed butter chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or festive meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt
Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 14 oz tomato puree
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté onions until golden, 5–6 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and sugar. Add tomato puree and simmer 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Add chicken to sauce and simmer 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 5 more minutes. Adjust salt and spices if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

Marinating overnight yields more tender and flavorful chicken. Adjust spice level to taste.