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Butter Chicken (Easy Creamy & Flavor-Packed Recipe)

A rich, creamy, and buttery Indian chicken curry made with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and tender marinated chicken. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs cut into chunks
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt
Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1.5 cups tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter added at the end
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Combine marinade ingredients and coat chicken. Marinate 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat butter and oil, brown chicken, and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger.
  4. Add spices and toast for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in tomato puree and simmer until thickened.
  6. Return chicken to pan and pour in cream and broth.
  7. Simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  8. Add sugar, adjust seasoning, and finish with butter.
  9. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.