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

A rich and creamy butter chicken recipe with tender chicken in a flavorful tomato and cream sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken in batches and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt remaining butter and cook onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato puree and simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to pan, stir in cream and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce is creamy.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

Can be refrigerated 2–3 days or frozen for meal prep.