a chicken buttered this.

a chicken buttered this. is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 30 min | Cook: 37 min | Total: 2 hrs 22 min

Cost: $10.66 total, $2.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat)
  • 2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika (for color)
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed from 1 lime)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated, about a 2‑inch piece)
  • 4 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 4 pcs Tomatoes (medium, diced)
  • 1 pcs Large Onion (sliced)
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 2 tbsp Almond Butter (smooth, unsweetened)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, garam masala, cayenne pepper, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, salt, lime juice, grated ginger and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

    Time: PT1H

  3. Sear the Chicken

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add a splash of oil, then add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and about 80% cooked through (no longer pink). Transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Sauté Onions and Tomatoes with Spices

    In the same skillet add a little more oil if needed, then add sliced onion. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add diced tomatoes and the remaining dry spices from the marinade (garam masala, cayenne, turmeric, chili powder, paprika). Cook 2‑3 minutes more.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Add Stock and Almond Butter

    Pour in the chicken stock, stir, then whisk in almond butter until fully incorporated. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low

  6. Blend the Sauce

    Transfer the skillet contents to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Combine Chicken and Finish Sauce

    Reduce heat to low, add the seared chicken back into the sauce, stirring to coat. Stir in heavy cream and butter cubes, cooking just until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy, about 5 minutes total.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  8. Serve

    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
30g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Keto-Friendly

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

a chicken buttered this.

Recipe by Jose.elcook

A rich, creamy Indian‑style butter chicken made with marinated chicken, tomato‑onion sauce, almond butter, heavy cream and butter. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy enough for beginners.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 17m
Prep
30m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.66
Total cost
$2.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour
  • Searing the chicken until 80% cooked
  • Blending the sauce until completely smooth
  • Adding heavy cream and butter over low heat to avoid curdling

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid splatters
  • When blending hot sauce, vent the lid and start on low speed to prevent steam burns
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Butter Chicken in Indian cuisine?

A

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s when chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant created a tomato‑cream sauce to use up leftover tandoori chicken, turning it into a beloved comfort dish across India and the world.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Butter Chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the sauce is richer with more butter and cream, while in Lucknow it may include a hint of saffron. Some regions add cashew paste instead of almond butter, and others use a touch of fenugreek leaves for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is usually served hot with steamed basmati rice, naan or roti, and accompanied by a side of fresh cucumber raita to balance the richness of the sauce.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is Butter Chicken commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Butter Chicken is a staple at festive gatherings such as Diwali, weddings, and family celebrations because it can be made in large batches and pleases both adults and children.

cultural
Q

What makes Butter Chicken special compared to other Indian chicken curries?

A

Its signature velvety tomato‑cream base, the use of butter and cream, and the subtle sweetness from caramelized onions give it a luxurious mouthfeel that sets it apart from spicier, broth‑based curries.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Butter Chicken, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include tandoori‑style chicken, tomato puree, butter, cream, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Substitutes like almond butter (used here) or cashew paste can replace ground nuts, and Greek yogurt can stand in for the original dahi in the marinade.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Butter Chicken at home?

A

Over‑cooking the chicken, adding cream over high heat (which causes curdling), and not blending the sauce smooth enough are the biggest pitfalls. Follow the searing and low‑heat steps carefully.

technical
Q

Why does this Butter Chicken recipe use almond butter instead of traditional ground cashews?

A

Almond butter provides a similar nutty richness while being easier to incorporate and offers a smoother texture without the need to soak and grind cashews, saving time for home cooks.

technical
Q

Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and keep the sauce refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, add fresh cream and butter before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jose.elcook focuses on approachable Latin‑American and global comfort dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern home‑cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Jose.elcook emphasizes quick, ingredient‑flexible versions of classic Indian recipes, often swapping hard‑to‑find items (like cashews) with pantry‑friendly alternatives such as almond butter, while still preserving authentic flavor profiles.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
6

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

A classic Indian butter chicken made at home with seared chicken, a rich tomato‑cream sauce, and fresh cilantro. This easy, flavorful dish pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

52 minServes 4$12
Indian
SUPER CREAMY BUTTER CHICKEN! 30 Minute Dinner Idea
8

SUPER CREAMY BUTTER CHICKEN! 30 Minute Dinner Idea

A creamy, mildly spiced Indian butter chicken that pairs perfectly with garlic naan or rice. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger and aromatic spices, then browned and simmered in a rich tomato‑cream sauce. Vegetarian swaps like tofu, paneer or cauliflower work well too.

55 minServes 4$14
Indian
Butter Chicken Recipe
7

Butter Chicken Recipe

A creamy, tomato‑based North Indian classic made the way Chef Ranveer Brar learned from Ustad Gulam Rasool. This version uses leftover tandoori chicken (or fresh chicken tikka) simmered in a rich butter‑cream sauce flavored with whole spices, kasuri methi, and a hint of kewra water.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$23
Indian
EPIC BURRITO BOWLS
4

EPIC BURRITO BOWLS

A colorful, nutrient‑dense burrito bowl cooked entirely in one pot. Black beans simmered with Mexican spices, fluffy cilantro‑lime rice, seasoned chicken, creamy guacamole, tangy sour‑cream sauce and a splash of hot sauce come together for a satisfying, balanced meal.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$13
Mexican
I Could Eat This Everyday! Chicken Rice Recipe
11

I Could Eat This Everyday! Chicken Rice Recipe

A colorful, one‑pot meal of sautéed onions, carrots, and peppers mixed with fragrant basmati rice and seasoned chicken breast, finished with fresh tomatoes and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights and loved by kids.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$40
Indian
Keto Casserole Recipes
3

Keto Casserole Recipes

A rich, low‑carb casserole packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken thighs, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for keto diners who crave comfort food without the carbs.

55 minServes 4$13
American
One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken in 30 Minutes
5

One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken in 30 Minutes

A quick, flavorful one‑pan dinner featuring skin‑on chicken thighs seared to a golden crust, then simmered in a creamy lemon‑butter sauce with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and a hint of heat. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

30 minServes 4$8
American
Chinese Dumpling Lasagna!
8

Chinese Dumpling Lasagna!

A creative fusion of Chinese dumplings and Italian lasagna. Ground chicken seasoned with classic Chinese flavors is layered between softened wonton wrappers, steamed to perfection, and finished with a savory soy‑ginger topping and crunchy garnishes.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$9
Chinese Fusion