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Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Indulge in the rich flavors of Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout), a creamy and savory Indian dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes! This delightful recipe features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt/coconut milk)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1½ teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¾ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for 10–15 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, heat butter and sauté marinated chicken until browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft; add garlic, ginger, garam masala, and optional chili powder.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and purée; let simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
  5. Pour in heavy cream (or substitute) and return chicken to skillet; simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until creamy.
  6. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro.
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the level of chili powder based on your heat tolerance. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.