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Indian Butter Chicken

A comforting and rich dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, spiced sauce, perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 1300

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces Juicier than chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt Can substitute with Greek yogurt for thickness
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garam masala, divided
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, divided
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish Can replace with parsley if not a cilantro fan
  • Cooked basmati rice for serving Optional side

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, half the minced garlic, and half the grated ginger. Mix well and then add the chicken pieces. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Add the remaining garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
  5. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the sauce until it is smooth. If you prefer a rustic texture, you can skip this step and leave the sauce as is.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Season the sauce with salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
Serving
  1. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot over cooked basmati rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure complete cooling before freezing. Reheat on stovetop or microwave in short intervals.