Description
Creamy, spiced, and irresistibly rich, this quick butter chicken brings all the bold flavors of your favorite Indian takeout—ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or authenticity.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp ginger, grated
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1 1/2 tsp garam masala
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp turmeric
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1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 cup tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
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1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
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Spice It Up: Stir in garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces; sear until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
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Simmer Sauce: Stir in tomato puree and tomato paste. Simmer 5 minutes.
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Add Cream & Finish: Lower heat, stir in cream and sugar. Simmer another 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter for a silky finish.
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Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Notes
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Chicken thighs yield juicier results, but breasts work fine too.
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For dairy-free: use coconut milk and vegan butter.
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Great for meal prep—flavor deepens overnight!
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Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420kal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g