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Easy Butter Chicken with a creamy tomato sauce served over rice.

Easy Butter Chicken

A cozy, creamy butter chicken recipe that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs Thighs stay juicy and tender.
  • 2 tbsp butter Adds a silky finish to the sauce.
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Or crushed tomatoes.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste For deeper tomato flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can use half and half in a pinch.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Aromatics for flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the sauce's flavor.
  • 1 inches ginger, minced Optional, adds warmth.
Spices
  • 1 tbsp garam masala Key spice for flavor.
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika For color.
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste.
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar To balance acidity.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, salt, and garam masala for 15 to 30 minutes if time allows.
  2. If not marinating, season the chicken well and proceed.
Cooking
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet and brown the chicken pieces; they do not need to be cooked through.
  2. In the same pan, add more butter if needed and cook the onion until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger.
  3. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste, then sprinkle in spices. Let simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Lower the heat, stir in the cream, and let gently bubble.
  5. Add the browned chicken back into the pan and simmer until cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For serving, basmati rice and naan complement the dish well. Avoid high heat once cream is added to prevent splitting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.