Description
A classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe offers an authentic taste of Butter Chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken (discard excess marinade) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, but do not boil.
- Adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
- The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Curry, Creamy Chicken, Tomato Curry, Authentic Indian Food