Description
Enjoy the aroma of tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and flavorful spiced sauce. This easy-to-make butter chicken is perfect for any occasion, turning ordinary days into special ones. Its vibrant colors and harmonious blend of spices and creaminess will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, yogurt, and crushed kasoori methi. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Kasoori methi adds a distinct flavor; if you can’t find it, you can omit it, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg