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Butter Chicken (Easy Creamy & Flavor-Packed Recipe)

A rich, creamy, velvety butter chicken made with tender marinated chicken and a flavor-packed tomato butter sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Butter Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1.5 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • salt to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Add chicken and marinate.
  2. Cook marinated chicken in butter and oil until lightly browned.
  3. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Add tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and coriander. Simmer.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and return chicken to pan.
  6. Simmer until thick and creamy. Season to taste and garnish.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Blend sauce for ultra smooth texture.