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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian classic featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato-butter sauce infused with warming spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or special occasions, this recipe is quick, simple, and customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tsp garam masala

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnishes & Serving

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Drizzle of fresh cream (optional)
  • Basmati rice, naan, or preferred side dishes

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

    Combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Add the boneless chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor and tenderness.

  2. Step 2: Sear the Chicken

    Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

    In the same pan, add butter and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Add garam masala and chili powder, toasting the spices briefly. Stir in the tomato puree and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Slowly add fresh cream while stirring, creating a smooth, rich sauce.

  4. Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

    Return the seared chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken perfectly.

  5. Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

    Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish and add a swirl of fresh cream if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicy, tender results; chicken breasts can be used but may be less moist.
  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes; overnight marinating intensifies flavor.
  • Toast spices briefly to release maximum aroma.
  • Add butter at the end for a glossy, rich sauce finish.
  • Adjust cream quantity to control sauce richness and thickness.
  • For dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with vegan butter and coconut milk or cream.
  • Add fresh green chilies or more cayenne for extra spiciness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to maintain sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, homemade butter chicken, Indian chicken curry, creamy chicken curry, easy butter chicken recipe, chicken thighs curry, Indian comfort food

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/easy-homemade-butter-chicken/