Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Butter Chicken—right from your own kitchen. Tender, golden chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy, spiced curry sauce that’s deeply aromatic and full of bold Indian flavor. This one-pan recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients, yet tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
With its silky sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this Butter Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s an indulgent dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete, satisfying meal.
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Butter Chicken—right from your own kitchen. Tender, golden chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy, spiced curry sauce that’s deeply aromatic and full of bold Indian flavor. This one-pan recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients, yet tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 28 oz boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced, or finely grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee or 1 tbs butter + 1 tbs oil
- 1 large onion sliced or chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced or finely grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to your taste preference
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 cup thickened cream heavy or evaporated milk to save calories
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kasoori methi or dried fenugreek leaves
Instructions
Step-By-Step Instructions
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Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The chili powder in this recipe creates a mild spice. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or finely chopped green chilies. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead Option: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance if you’re short on time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before adding the cooked chicken.
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