Description
A rich and creamy butter chicken paired with soft garlic naan, full of warming spices, tender chicken, and a velvety tomato cream sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and flavorful dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 garlic naan
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and preheat your oven to 200°F to keep naan warm.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
- Melt butter in the skillet. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add tomato puree, chili powder, sugar, and remaining garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce deepens in color and flavor.
- Return chicken to skillet. Stir in cream and let simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in a bit of butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Warm garlic naan in the oven or skillet.
- Plate butter chicken with hot naan and basmati rice. Garnish with more cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best results.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Garam masala adds signature warmth—don’t skip it.
- Serve with rice or naan to soak up all the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 155mg