Description
Dive into this rich and flavorful Creamy Butter Chicken — the perfect easy dinner that brings restaurant-style Indian cuisine to your table. Simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce and infused with aromatic spices, this recipe is ideal for cozy weeknights or when you’re craving bold comfort food. Serve with naan or basmati rice for a complete, satisfying meal that also makes fantastic leftovers.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
1 tbsp ginger, minced (or 1 tbsp ginger paste)
1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1 1/2 tsp garam masala (or mild curry spice blend)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken and coat well. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato puree and garam masala. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
4. Add the chicken (and any yogurt marinade) to the sauce. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until silky.
6. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free yogurt.
Keep it mild for kids; add extra spice at the end for adults if you want.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg