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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe photo

Butter Chicken Recipe

A creamy, fragrant butter chicken made with tender chicken thighs in a spiced tomato-cream sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 piece ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small lemon, juiced
  • 1 1/4 pounds chicken thighs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 14 ounces canned tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • non-stick skillet or sauté pan
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped chicken thighs, and tandoori curry paste; mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the marinated chicken and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the exterior is no longer pink; transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons ghee and the sliced onion; cook until the onion is softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add the garam masala, cumin, and smoked paprika to the onions and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan, then add the crushed canned tomatoes and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly and begins to thicken, about 5–8 minutes.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • Store cooked butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
  • Instant Pot: sauté aromatics, add spices, tomatoes, and chicken; pressure cook on Manual for 8 minutes with a 5-minute natural release, then stir in cream and thicken on sauté.
  • Slow cooker: sauté aromatics and then cook on High 3–4 hours or Low 6–7 hours, then add cream and thicken on Low.