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Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

5.3 from 13 reviews

This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce, finished with a touch of cream for that luxurious texture. Serve over rice with naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, diced into bite-size pieces)

For the Sauce:

  • 5 cloves garlic (about 5 teaspoons, minced)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 15-ounce can tomato sauce (or passata)
  • ½ cup heavy cream

For Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice
  • Naan bread

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Brown the diced chicken breast until golden. Move the chicken to one side, and melt the rest of the butter.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add all of the spices and salt, stir, and cook for a minute. Then, add the passata.
  3. Simmer: Mix everything, cover with a lid, and simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes for the chicken to cook and the flavors to meld.
  4. Finish and Serve: Open the lid, stir in the cream, and allow the sauce to reduce slightly. Serve warm over rice with chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
  • For a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of cream used.
  • This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe