Go Back

Rich Butter Chicken

A delightful North Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with boneless chicken breasts.
  • ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt Use plain yogurt or sour cream if unavailable.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Adds brightness to the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste Store-bought or homemade.
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala Divided use; save half for the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Divided use; save half for the sauce.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400g)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1-2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder Or paprika + pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon oil for searing
For Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Marinating Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat, letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Searing Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Sautéing Onions
  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Spices
  1. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add Kashmiri chili powder and remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala, stirring for 30 seconds.
Making the Sauce
  1. Pour in tomato puree and crushed tomatoes, adding sugar and remaining salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Blending the Sauce
  1. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Return the sauce to the pot over low heat. Add seared chicken and any juices, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  2. Turn off the heat and stir in heavy cream and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

This dish is ideal for serving with basmati rice or naan. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.