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Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato butter sauce with warm Indian spices. A simplified, one-pan version of the classic restaurant favorite, ready in about 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¾ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For the Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter ,divided
  • 1 small yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper , optional
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves ,kasuri methi, crushed
  • Salt , to taste
  • Fresh cilantro , chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Immersion blender or blender (optional)

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Sear the marinated chicken in butter until browned; set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion in butter, then add ginger garlic paste.
  4. Add tomato sauce and spices; simmer 8–10 minutes.
  5. Optionally blend the sauce until smooth.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
  7. Stir in cream, sugar, and crushed kasuri methi; simmer 3–4 minutes.
  8. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.