Description
Indulge in this easy dinner idea that brings restaurant-style Indian flavor to your home kitchen. Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a buttery, spiced tomato cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s a great addition to your list of dinner ideas. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan for a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that are cozy, easy, or slightly exotic, this healthy-ish twist on butter chicken ticks all the boxes for a satisfying and simple recipe.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon garam masala (for marinade)
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin (for marinade)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil (for cooking chicken)
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup tomato puree
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cumin (for sauce)
1 teaspoon garam masala (for sauce)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, cumin, garam masala, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is thick and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Letting the chicken marinate overnight deepens the flavor and makes it even more tender.
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a tropical twist.
Grilling the chicken before adding it to the sauce adds an irresistible smoky note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, butter chicken, chicken recipes, creamy sauce, homemade takeout