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A vibrant plate of authentic butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside basmati rice and naan bread.

Authentic Butter Chicken: Your New Favorite Homemade Indian Meal

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Discover how to make authentic butter chicken, a classic Indian dish with tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly flavorful and easy to prepare at home, this recipe brings the taste of India to your dinner table.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, half of the garlic and ginger, salt, and chili powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Sauté remaining garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add tomato puree, simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  4. In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of butter and cook marinated chicken until golden and cooked through.
  5. Combine cooked chicken with the tomato sauce. Pour in heavy cream or coconut cream and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Adjust salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, use full-fat heavy cream or coconut cream.
  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • You can adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg