Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

Explore new tastes and aromas in your kitchen with this easy Butter Chicken recipe. This classic Indian dish is beloved worldwide and sure to be a hit with the whole family, even the kids. Unlike other Indian recipes, Butter Chicken is straightforward to prepare with readily available ingredients. Just follow the steps carefully to enjoy this chicken in a creamy, aromatic, and deliciously silky sauce.

For serving, boil some basmati rice according to your favorite recipe. You can also find rice preparation tips on our website. Typically, I cook it simply with butter.

Ingredients
Boneless chicken thigs
800 g
can be combined with chicken breast
Yoghurt
150 g
Onions
1 piece
Garlic cloves
3 pieces
Fresh shredded ginger
1 tsp
can be replaced with dry ginger
Tomato paste
1 tbsp
Canned chopped tomatoes
300 g
or fresh tomatoes
Whipping Cream(32-35%)
200 ml
Butter
70 g
Curcuma/turmeric
2 tsp
Sweet paprika
2 tsp
Ground coriander
2 tsp
Cumin
1 tsp
Garam masala
1 tsp
Indian spice mix
Salt
2 tsp
Ground black pepper
0.25 tsp
Cashew nuts
100 g
optional
Step by step
Step 1

Cut the boneless chicken thighs into medium-sized cubes, approximately 2x2 cm, and place them in a bowl.

Add 150 g yogurt, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 0.5 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of ground black pepper.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 1
Step 2

Mix everything well, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

During this time, prepare the onion, garlic, ginger, and the remaining ingredients.

Now is also a good time to boil the rice for the side dish.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 2
Step 3

After marinating the meat, heat a pan with 30-40 g of butter, add the chicken pieces, and fry them until they start to brown slightly.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 3
Step 4

Remove the chicken and set it aside on a separate plate.

We will continue making the sauce in the same pan.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 4
Step 5

Add more butter or oil to the pan if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to brown slightly.

Then add the crushed garlic and grated ginger, mix well, and cook for another minute.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 5
Step 6

Add the remaining spices: 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, and 0.5 tsp cumin. Mix and heat everything together for a few seconds, being careful not to burn them.

Optionally, you can add a handful of cashew nuts for texture.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 6
Step 7

Add 300 g of diced tomatoes, 2 tsp of tomato paste, and 150 ml of water. Mix well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 7
Step 8

After simmering, puree the sauce with a blender until smooth and creamy. For an even finer texture, pass it through a sieve.

Some prefer it with pieces, but I recommend trying it smooth first.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 8
Step 9

Return the pureed sauce to the pan, add the cream and chicken pieces, mix well, and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 9
Step 10

Adjust salt to taste.

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 10
Step 11

At the end, add a small piece of butter, about 20 g, mix well, and turn off the heat. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Serve with rice or naan bread and enjoy!

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe - Step 11
Quantity: 8 serv ()
Prep time:
40 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 120 min