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The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

This Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. Perfectly paired with basmati rice or naan bread, this classic Indian comfort food is easy to prepare at home and delivers restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing the chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream

For Serving:

  • Basmati rice or naan bread
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they are lightly golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Chicken and Spices: Add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Add the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine all ingredients. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve your butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or alongside buttery naan bread. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style butter chicken!

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Marinate chicken in yogurt, garam masala, and lemon juice for 30 minutes to 1 hour to deepen the flavor.
  • Don’t skip the butter; it gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture.
  • Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for authentic flavor.
  • Increase chili powder or add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spicier butter chicken.
  • For extra creaminess, add cashew paste made by blending soaked cashews with water into the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter chicken, Indian butter chicken, creamy chicken curry, Indian chicken recipe, garam masala chicken, easy butter chicken, Indian cuisine

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/the-best-indian-butter-chicken-recipe/