Imagine diving into a creamy, aromatic dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of India - without ever leaving your home! This Butter Chicken recipe is your golden ticket to creating a mind-blowing meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that's both incredibly easy to make and devastatingly delicious. Get ready to become the culinary hero of your household with this foolproof Indian cuisine classic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and 1 tablespoon of garam masala, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Melt 1/4 cup of butter and sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and remaining garam masala. Stir and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and smooth sauce. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and coat evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your secret weapon for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Spice Management: Garam masala is the heart of this dish. For the most authentic flavor, use fresh, high-quality garam masala and don't be afraid to adjust to your taste.
- Searing Matters: Take time to properly brown the chicken. Those golden-brown edges create deep, rich flavor foundations for your sauce.
- Cream Consistency: Add heavy cream slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling. This ensures a smooth, luxurious sauce every time.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed basmati rice or warm naan to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 220mg
