Indian Butter Chicken
Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, spiced dish with tender marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, perfect with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Curry
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt marinate for at least 1 hour preferable overnight
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 lb chicken thigh cut into pieces
Curry
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken pieces and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Make the Curry Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the tomato puree, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Simmer:
- Cover the skillet and let the curry simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Serve the butter chicken hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite Indian bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.