Description
This rich and flavorful Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast pieces simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warming Indian spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it combines buttery textures with aromatic garam masala, garlic, and ginger, finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spices
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground coriander
Aromatics & Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, and coriander into the pan. Toast the spices with the aromatics for about 1 minute, enhancing their flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the spices and aromatics. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream & Yogurt: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and plain Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Simmer everything together for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Serve & Garnish: Garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Use full-fat yogurt and cream for richer flavor, or substitute with lighter versions for lower fat content.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by simmering until no longer pink inside.
- Butter can be substituted with ghee for more authentic flavor.
- Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
