Description
Craving an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Butter Chicken is your answer. It’s a rich and velvety Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs, a spiced tomato-based sauce, and a swirl of heavy cream. Whether you’re exploring quick dinner ideas or comforting food recipes, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice and creaminess—ideal for cozy nights or impressive meals. Serve with rice or naan for the ultimate easy recipe that feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 small onion finely chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add chili powder and paprika, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Return chicken to skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through. Adjust salt if needed.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Use boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time to prevent dryness.
Add a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves at the end for a more authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken, Indian dinner, easy recipe, chicken curry