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Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Rich and creamy butter chicken with tender chicken pieces in a velvety tomato-based sauce. Restaurant-quality results at home in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder divided, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 14 oz tomato puree or crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, coriander, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in remaining garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their essential oils.
  6. Pour in tomato puree and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until well combined. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through, being careful not to let it boil.
  8. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes over low heat until chicken is fully cooked through and reaches 165°F internally.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice.

Notes

For the most tender results, use boneless chicken thighs. Bloom spices in butter to release essential oils and deepen flavor. Even 15 minutes of marinating infuses the chicken with flavor. Avoid boiling cream on high heat as it can separate. For an extra smooth sauce, blend the onion-tomato base before adding cream. Make sauce 1 to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, then add chicken when ready to serve.
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