Description
A rich and creamy Easy Butter Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. This comforting Indian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be adjusted for heat or made dairy-free with simple substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional for Serving
- Basmati rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Toast Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook these spices for 1-2 minutes to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides and thoroughly cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce gently for another 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve alongside basmati rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer spicier flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Allowing the spices to cook a bit before adding liquids enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
