MainsMediumIndian

Butter Chicken

Rich, creamy, and warming. Tastes like it took hours but doesn't.

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By Kaylee·March 13, 2026·2 min read
Butter Chicken

Prep Time

10min

Cook Time

30min

Total Time

40min

Servings

4

Calories

480

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 4 servings per recipe

Calories480
Protein36g
Carbs16g
Fat32g
Fiber2g
Sodium650mg

Ingredients

  • 600g boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tin (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 200ml heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander, for serving
  • Rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, half the garam masala, and turmeric. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic, ginger, remaining garam masala, and chilli powder. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in cream. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust salt. Serve over rice or with naan, topped with coriander.

Notes

Use chicken thighs, not breasts. Thighs stay juicy in the sauce. Breasts turn into rubber. If you want more heat, add a finely chopped green chilli with the garlic.