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Chicken Recipes - Authentic Indian Butter Chicken

I’ll be honest, the first time I tried making an Indian butter chicken recipe at home, I felt like I was walking into my kitchen with way too much confidence and way too little plan. But the aroma of garlic, ginger, and tomatoes slowly simmering away reminded me why I love cooking. This dish, often called the comfort food of Indian cuisine, wraps you up in warmth and flavor like a cozy blanket. An indian butter chicken recipe easy enough for a weeknight yet bold enough to impress on a Saturday night dinner spread doesn’t come around often. But this one fits both bills. The butter chicken recipe indian easy approach means no need for fancy tricks, just a good marinade, a bit of patience, and enough naan to scoop up every drop. It’s what I like to call kitchen therapy. If you’ve ever searched for chicken recipes indian style or a chicken curry recipe indian authentic enough to taste like it came out of a family kitchen, you’re in the right place. This chicken butter recipe balances creamy tomato sauce with spices that wake up your senses. Every bite makes you pause, sigh, and maybe, just maybe, lick the spoon before anyone notices.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: butter chicken recipe indian easy, chicken butter recipe, chicken curry recipe indian authentic, chicken recipes, chicken recipes indian, indian butter chicken recipe, indian butter chicken recipe easy
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin in a bowl. Add chicken, mix well, and marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Heat butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden.
  3. Add marinated chicken pieces, cooking until lightly browned.
  4. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and add cream. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
  6. Taste and season with salt. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.