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Easy Butter Chicken

  • Author: madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A simple and delicious butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup plain 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or water
  • 2 cloves of garlic (grated, about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • Salt and pepper to taste (approximately 3/4 – 1 teaspoon of salt)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup half-and-half or cream (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup plain 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt (room temperature)


Instructions

  1. Start by whisking together all the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl.
  2. Add the diced chicken and ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the yogurt marinade.
  3. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes to maximize flavor.
  4. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the marinated chicken, leaving the excess marinade on the pieces, and sauté until cooked through.
  6. Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
  7. In the same skillet, add the butter over medium heat.
  8. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  9. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes tender.
  10. Pour in the tomato sauce, lowering the heat to let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened slightly.
  11. Slowly pour in the half-and-half or cream while stirring the sauce.
  12. Add the chicken back into the skillet and remove from heat.
  13. Gently stir in the Greek yogurt, ensuring there are no white streaks left.
  14. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over rice.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a creamier sauce. Adjust cayenne to your spice preference and let the chicken marinate longer for enhanced flavor.