Description
This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato gravy with warm Indian spices, heavy cream, and butter. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners and suitable for freezing.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 Tbsp garam masala
- 3 Tbsp butter, divided
- 0.25 cup plain yogurt
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare And Marinate Chicken: Cut 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, marinate chicken with 0.25 cup plain yogurt, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp chili powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté 1 medium diced onion until translucent and soft (8-10 minutes). Add 2 Tbsp ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomato Gravy: Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 Tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp sugar, and salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Sear Chicken: While the gravy simmers, sear marinated chicken pieces in a separate 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned on all sides (5-7 minutes). Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Combine And Finish: Add seared chicken to the simmering gravy. Stir in the remaining 0.5 cup heavy cream and 1 Tbsp butter. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
Coconut milk or cashew cream (0.5 cup) can replace heavy cream for dairy-free. Cauliflower florets (1 medium head) or paneer (8 oz) can replace chicken for a vegetarian option. Opt for organic chicken, high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano, and fresh ginger/garlic for best flavor. Using ghee instead of butter imparts a richer, nutty note. Ensure fresh chicken and good quality canned tomatoes. Avoid boiling cream vigorously at the end to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (250 g)
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, family favorite, freezer-friendly, butter chicken, Indian, creamy, chicken thighs, tomato gravy, weeknight meal, comforting