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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Simple & Sensational Dinner

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A rich, creamy, and flavorful butter chicken made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-cream sauce. Simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated (divided)
  • 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (divided)
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 4 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, half of the garlic and ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken chunks and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt remaining butter and sauté onions until soft and golden.
  4. Add remaining garlic, ginger, garam masala, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
  6. Stir in cream (or coconut milk), then return chicken to the pan. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until heated through and creamy.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

  • Thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work well if not overcooked.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute paneer or tofu.
  • Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
  • Tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://elladishes.com/easy-homemade-butter-chicken-simple-sensational-dinner/