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+ servings
Butter Chicken

Creamy Butter Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

Experience the savory warmth of Butter Chicken, a comforting and quick Indian dish that rivals takeout.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or more olive oil for lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Fresh Ginger ground ginger works in a pinch
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) Tomato Sauce canned or fresh pureed
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste essential for richness
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice vinegar can substitute
  • ½ cup Plain Yogurt sour cream as a substitute
  • ½ cup Half and Half whole milk for lighter touch
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts diced; thighs can be used
  • 2 teaspoons Garam Masala essential spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder adjust for spice tolerance
  • 1 teaspoon Salt sea salt or kosher preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground for depth
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Cilantro optional, can substitute with parsley

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet, stirring well to coat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until chicken pieces are no longer pink on the outside.
  4. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper over the chicken, stirring thoroughly for even seasoning.
  5. Pour in 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, followed by 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix in ½ cup of plain yogurt and ½ cup of half and half.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. After simmering, taste your Butter Chicken and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serve with basmati rice or naan for an unforgettable meal. Adjust spice levels to taste.

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