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Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Version Better Than Takeout

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A rich, creamy butter chicken recipe that tastes better than takeout, made with simple pantry staples and ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a comforting, indulgent meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), optional
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (a handful)
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice, a squeeze

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken thighs with yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, salt, and half the garam masala. Coat well, cover, and let sit for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in one layer and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add remaining butter and reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook slowly until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and remaining garam masala; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato puree and sugar, stir well, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  6. Crush kasuri methi between palms and sprinkle into the sauce, stirring to combine.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, pour in heavy cream, and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or spice. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken well for tenderness and flavor. Slow caramelize onions for sweetness and depth. Stir in butter at the end for a silky finish. Use fresh garlic and ginger paste if possible. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Kasuri methi adds a unique aroma but is optional. Adjust chili powder to taste. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, easy butter chicken recipe, homemade butter chicken, Indian chicken curry, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-version-better-than-takeout/