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Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Your New Favorite Dinner

Discover how to make an authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe that is creamy, rich, and perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Opt for thighs for juiciness and flavor compared to breasts.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Can substitute ghee for an authentic taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Essential for richness; do not skip.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely diced, base flavor for the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Minced for warmth and depth.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced, enhances aroma and zest.
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste Provides rich color and base for the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Garam Masala A crucial spice blend defining the dish's flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds heat; adjust as needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Essential for its earthy flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates the creamy texture.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling. Add 1 finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and translucent. Then, add 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
  2. Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the chicken is well-coated in spices and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink.
    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
  3. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are submerged in the creamy mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
  4. Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or spices if necessary. Serve over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan, garnished with chopped cilantro and an extra tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Marinating the chicken in yogurt, garam masala, and lemon juice for 30 minutes enhances flavor.

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