Description
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken thighs. This recipe brings together aromatic spices and a touch of yogurt for marination, creating an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Sauté aromatics: Heat ghee or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Cook the chicken: Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- Create the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer; cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream: Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until fully combined.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Enhance flavor by adding smoked paprika or fresh spinach during cooking.