Description
Easy Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken brings the rich, exotic flavors of Indian cuisine to your dinner table with a creamy, buttery tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. Perfect for satisfying cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 9 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsps ginger, minced (or use ginger paste)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoon ghee (or butter)
- 14 oz tomato sauce (or a homemade tomato puree)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk)
- ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and sea salt until smooth.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the ghee or butter. Once melted, add the tomato sauce and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and the dried fenugreek.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the sauce become creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or your favorite side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian