Description
Indian butter chicken brings restaurant-style flavor home with marinated chicken simmered in creamy tomato sauce. Warm spices create a rich, comforting finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt
Aromatics and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, and 1 teaspoon turmeric in a bowl. Coat 1 lb chicken breast pieces thoroughly in the marinade and refrigerate for exactly 60 minutes.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 chopped onion until it turns golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch grated ginger to the skillet. Stir continuously for 45-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer marinated chicken into the skillet. Cook at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning pieces to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Pour 15 oz tomato puree into the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for exactly 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stream 1 cup heavy cream into the sauce. Stir gently and cook uncovered for 5 minutes at low heat until sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and sprinkle salt as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption and more tender meat.
- Use high-fat yogurt in the marinade to help tenderize and create a richer sauce texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Choose fresh garam masala if possible, as pre-ground spices lose potency quickly and can taste flat.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg