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A bowl of rich, creamy butter chicken garnished with fresh coriander and served with naan bread.

The Most Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe

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Discover how to make the most authentic butter chicken at home with this easy Indian chicken recipe. Perfect for a flavorful dinner, learn step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for creating a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish that rivals restaurant quality.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the chopped onion until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt. This creates a flavorful tomato sauce.
  5. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  6. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For spicier butter chicken, increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
  • Use coconut milk or evaporated milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust salt and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg