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Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner to Wow Your Taste Buds

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A rich and comforting butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup canned tomato puree or passata
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add paprika, cumin, turmeric, remaining garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices lightly.
  5. Pour in tomato puree, stir well, and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of water if too thick.
  6. Push sauce to the side and add marinated chicken pieces. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce is silky and rich. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor and tenderness. Add cream and butter at low heat to prevent sauce from curdling. If sauce separates, reduce heat and stir gently until smooth. Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spice level. Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with vegan butter or oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, easy butter chicken recipe, homemade butter chicken, Indian chicken curry, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-to-wow-your-taste-buds/