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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 29 reviews

This Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter 🧈
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato puree 🍅
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish 🌿

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
  2. Cook Chicken Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook marinated chicken until browned (it doesn’t need to cook through). Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and sauté until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes & Cream Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and sugar. Simmer another 5 minutes until smooth.
  5. Finish with Chicken Return chicken to the pan and cook for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through. Adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve Garnish with cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan or rice. 🍚🥖

Notes

  • For smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding to sauce.
  • Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Add cashew paste to make the sauce extra rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Cuisine, Chicken Recipe, Creamy Curry