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Butter Chicken

A beloved Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a perfect blend of spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts skinless, boneless, diced into bite-size pieces
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 inches fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce or passata
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces, seasoning with a little salt. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
  • Step 2: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
  • Step 3: Add the ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder (if using), smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the garlic and ginger, allowing them to bloom and release their essential oils for about 1 minute.
  • Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce or passata. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir to coat it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring until everything is well combined. Allow it to simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your luscious Butter Chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro. Pair it with fluffy naan or steamed basmati rice.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for extra flavor, adjust spice levels to your preference, and consider using fresh tomatoes for a brighter flavor.
Keyword Easy