Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe offers a creamy and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and butter sauce, spiced with chili, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, make for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Sauté onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, which creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Cook spices: Add chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release their essential oils and deepen the flavors.
- Brown chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until well browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes, which seals in the juices.
- Simmer with tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the butter chicken and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
