Butter Chicken Creamy Tomato (Print)
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with fragrant spices. Ready in 40 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp garam masala
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1 tsp salt
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
15 - 1 tsp paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
17 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
19 - 1 tbsp sugar
20 - Salt, to taste
21 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor penetration.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides but not completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate, reserving any juices.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Sprinkle coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper over the aromatic base. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Return seared chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Lower heat to medium and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked through and sauce begins to thicken slightly.
06 - Reduce heat to low setting. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently to incorporate. Simmer for 2 additional minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt to your taste preference.
07 - Transfer butter chicken to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for soaking up the sauce.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Restaurant quality results in just 40 minutes without needing any special equipment
- The marinade does double duty, infusing flavor and ensuring impossibly tender meat
- Perfect for meal prep because the flavors actually get better overnight
02 -
- Do not skip the yogurt marinade, it is what makes the chicken restaurant tender
- The cream can curdle if the sauce is boiling too hard, so reduce heat first
- Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken naturally
03 -
- Cast iron retains heat beautifully and helps develop better fond in the pan
- Room temperature cream prevents splitting when you add it to hot sauce