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Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe features tender chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce, perfect for cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Chicken breast can substitute for a leaner option.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Any neutral cooking oil can be used.
  • 1 tbsp Butter Don't skip it for the best taste.
  • 1 Medium Onion, diced Shallots can be used as a milder alternative.
  • 1 tsp Ginger, minced Can substitute with ginger paste if needed.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 4 tbsp Tomato Paste Swap with tomato sauce but use less due to lower concentration.
For the Spices
  • 1 tbsp Garam Masala Feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust to fit your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Coriander makes a nice alternative.
  • 1 tsp Salt Tweak to your taste.
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Standard seasoning.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Opt for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbly. Add the diced medium onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and translucent. Stir in minced ginger and minced garlic cloves, sautéing for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sautéed aromatics. Stir in tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients into a velvety sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low-medium heat, cooking for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Watch for the sauce to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the buttery chicken over fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Garnish with chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic instead of powders.

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