Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Chicken Breast or Thighs (cubed, skinless, boneless)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (for seasoning chicken)
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided; 2 tbsp for searing, 1 tbsp for finishing)
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (for sauce)
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili Powder (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 14 ounces Tomato Sauce (plain, no added herbs)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 0.5 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

   In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Toss until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

2. Sear the Chicken

   Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

3. Keep Chicken Warm

   Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to retain heat.

   Time: PT1M

4. Sauté Onions

   Add the remaining 1 Tbsp butter to the same pot. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Add Aromatics and Spices

   Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium heat

6. Incorporate Tomato Sauce

   Pour in the 14 oz tomato sauce, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium heat

7. Add Cream and Water

   Stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup water. Return to a low simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low‑medium heat

8. Simmer Chicken in Sauce

   Return the seared chicken to the pot, stir to combine, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes so flavors meld.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: low heat

9. Finish with Butter

   Uncover, add the remaining 1 Tbsp butter, and stir over low heat for 2 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low heat

10. Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the butter chicken and serve immediately with steamed rice or naan.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

2 g