Description
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with warmth from garam masala, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground coriander
Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, ground turmeric, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and ground coriander. Cook the spices with the aromatics for 1 minute to release their flavors, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Add Cream & Yogurt: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and plain Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through and absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Serve & Garnish: Garnish the finished butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Use full-fat heavy cream and Greek yogurt for a richer, more authentic texture.
- Butter chicken pairs deliciously with basmati rice or garlic naan bread.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream and yogurt with coconut milk or cashew cream.
