Description
Experience the bold and creamy flavors of Indian Butter Chicken in just 30 minutes! This stovetop version brings tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce to your table quickly and easily. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Serving Options:
- Cooked basmati rice
- Warm naan bread
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the Spices
- Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Cook the spices for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to enhance their flavors.
- Create the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Creaminess
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and plain yogurt, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add or reduce cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with cubed tofu, chickpeas, or paneer.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream and yogurt with coconut milk and a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian