Easy Creamy Butter Chicken

• Super Flavorful – The blend of spices creates an unbelievably rich and aromatic sauce that’s seriously addictive.
• Easy Cleanup – Made in one pot, which means fewer dishes. Hallelujah!
• Kid-Friendly – My kids devour this! The creamy sauce and mild flavors are a hit, even with the spice-averse.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level to your family’s liking. Add more chili powder for extra heat, or skip it altogether for a milder version.
• Weeknight Winner – Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and 1/2 cup yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge). This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Bloom the Spices: Add the remaining garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This helps release their flavors.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Stir in the Cream and Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further. Do not boil!
7. Garnish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over cooked rice. And maybe grab some naan bread for dipping!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your Butter Chicken to the next level? Here are a few tricks up my sleeve:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the other spices.
• Sweeten the Deal: A teaspoon of honey or sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Make it Ahead: Butter Chicken is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezer-Friendly: Let the Butter Chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.

Dietary Variations

Need to adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions? Here’s how:

• Gluten-Free: Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and plant-based yogurt for the dairy yogurt. Use ghee or your favorite cooking oil instead of butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

You can, but I highly recommend using chicken thighs. They are more flavorful and stay much more tender and juicy during cooking. If you do use chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.