Description
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a rich, flavorful curry made with tender marinated chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce. Perfect with basmati rice or warm naan, it’s a comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp tandoori masala
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup raw cashews
Salt, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, yogurt, garam masala, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and cashews. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add marinated chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
5. Stir in chopped cilantro and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, blend the tomato-cashew mixture before adding the chicken.
Use Greek yogurt for an even thicker marinade.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated—it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian curry, creamy chicken recipe, easy Indian dinner, tomato cream sauce