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A plate of golden butter chicken served with steamed rice and fresh herbs, showcasing a rich, creamy sauce with tender pieces of chicken.

Effortless Homemade Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

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Effortless Homemade Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant spices. Perfect for busy evenings, this easy butter chicken recipe offers an authentic taste without the lengthy preparation, making it an ideal comfort food for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or thick yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with Greek yogurt, half of the ginger, garlic, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  2. Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and caramelized. Add remaining garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Stir in cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to sauce, add heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Adjust seasonings.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot over basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken enhances tenderness and flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg