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–+ servings
a plate of butter chicken and rice
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5 from 2 votes

Butter Chicken

Creamy, delicious butter chicken is the ultimate flavor-packed comfort food your whole family will love.
Prep Time12 hours 30 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time12 hours 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Indian
Keyword: butter chicken recipe, Butter chicken vs tikka masala, Garlic butter chicken, Indian butter chicken
Yield: 6 people
Calories: 174kcal
Author: Author: Maddy & JD - Them Bites

Materials

For the marinade

  • 2 lb skinless, boneless chicken (thighs or breasts) cut into bite sized pieces
  • ¾ cup full fat plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 3 tbp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tb lemon juice

For the gravy

  • 2 tb ghee
  • 1 tb ginger garlic paste
  • 1 3 in piece of cinnamon stick
  • 4 cardamon pods
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 15 - 20 blanched cashews
  • 14 oz tomato puree
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves
  • 2 tb cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

  • Place chicken in a bowl. Add all the marinade ingredients- yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, lemon juice, salt- and mix together. Cover and refrigerate. Let marinate for up to 12 hours.
  • Add the cashews and tomato puree to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  • Add 1 tb of ghee to skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until done. Set chicken aside.
  • Heat skillet over medium heat with ghee, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves for about a minute. Add garlic ginger paste and green chilis. Cook until it becomes fragrant.
  • Next add the tomato cashew puree, salt, sugar, and red chili powder. Let simmer until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of water, more or less depending on your desired consistency. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for salt and add as needed.
  • Add chicken, garam masala, and coriander. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add dried fenugreek leaves. Pour in cold cream and remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and more cream if desired. Serve with naan, paratha, or basmati rice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 809IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg