Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced curry featuring tender, yogurt-marinated chicken in a silky tomato-cream sauce. It's quick and perfect for weeknight dinners, served with basmati rice and naan.
Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 600 g chicken breast, cubed (about 1.3 lb) Boneless skinless thighs can replace breast for more flavor.
- 150 g plain yogurt (about 2/3 cup) Use low-fat or Greek yogurt for richer marinade.
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil For marinating and searing
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter Use ghee for a more authentic flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional) Adjust to taste.
- 400 g passata (about 14 oz strained tomatoes) Or use canned crushed tomatoes.
- 150 ml cream or coconut milk (about 2/3 cup) Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- 1 tsp sugar Balances acidity from tomatoes.
To Serve
- Fresh for garnish cilantro
- As needed servings Basmati rice and naan Pairs perfectly with the dish.
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- Mix the yogurt, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, paprika, salt, lemon juice, and oil. Add chicken and stir to coat. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Sear the chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches and brown for 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Build the base
- In the same pan, melt butter. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add spices and tomato
- Stir in coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. Pour in passata and simmer for 10 minutes.
Finish the sauce
- Stir in cream or coconut milk and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting salt as necessary.
Combine and cook through
- Return chicken to the pan, stir to coat in sauce, and simmer for another 5 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
For best flavors, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust heat level and creaminess to your preference.