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Easy Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Easy Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner
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This Easy Creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce infused with authentic Indian spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients with quick preparation to create a family-friendly, restaurant-quality meal that’s mild, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Marinade

  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger plus 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the boneless chicken thighs and coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, forming the flavorful base for your sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until the outside is no longer pink, but the chicken is not fully cooked through. This ensures the chicken stays tender when simmered later.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the butter starts to slightly separate. Add fenugreek leaves and remaining spices, then gently stir in the cream until fully combined.
  5. Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken cook in the creamy sauce for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and an optional drizzle of cream or butter. Serve hot with basmati rice, garlic naan, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for better flavor and tenderness.
  • Use fresh garam masala and fenugreek leaves for the best aroma and taste.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat to preserve creaminess and balance spices.
  • Don’t skip the butter for rich, luxurious texture.
  • Add cream gradually to adjust sauce consistency to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter chicken, Indian butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, easy butter chicken, Indian dinner recipes, chicken curry

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/easy-creamy-indian-butter-chicken-recipe-for-dinner/