Description
This 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and butter sauce. Ready in just half an hour, this quick and easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice or naan for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- 1 cup tomato purée (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, add butter and 1 tbsp oil. Sauté the onion until soft (about 3 minutes), then add garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute.
- Add the spices: Stir in cumin, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the tomato purée and honey. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cream and chicken: Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili powder for your spice preference.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~85mg
