Description
Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout) is an exquisite Indian dish that brings the rich and creamy flavors of traditional cuisine right to your dining table in just 25 minutes. This recipe features tender marinated chicken simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. With its customizable spice level and simple ingredients, it’s an easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Get ready to indulge in homemade comfort food that’s even better than takeout!
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1½ teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or use Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt for 10–15 minutes (or overnight).
- In a skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft; add garlic and ginger followed by spices.
- Stir in tomato paste and purée; simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Add cream and return chicken to the skillet; simmer for another 5–7 minutes until creamy.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving hot with rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken longer. Adjust spice levels according to preference. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version.