How to Make the Perfect Butter Chicken
Indian · Medium · 60 min · 4 servings
Butter chicken is a rich and creamy North Indian curry featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce. It is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide, known for its warm spices and indulgent texture.
Why this recipe works
This Butter Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 700 g boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken with yogurt, garam masala, and chili powder in a bowl. Mix well to coat every piece and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until charred at the edges and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color. Stir in garam masala and chili powder and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Simmer
Return the seared chicken to the pan and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken. Taste and adjust salt before serving with naan or rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- chicken thighs → paneer cubes for a vegetarian alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the marination step which results in bland and dry chicken
- Adding cream over high heat which causes the sauce to split and become grainy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 38g protein, 14g carbs, 34g fat, 3g fiber.
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