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bowl of butter chicken with cilantro on top
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Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken is delicious, full of amazing flavor and an easy dinner to put together. It's perfect for a busy night as it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 285kcal
Author Leigh Anne Wilkes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 Tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder if extra heat is desired
  • 1 6boz. tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cups half and half
  • 3 chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • lime
  • cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • In a large pan saute onion, ginger and jalapeno pepper in oil.
  • Stir until onion is lightly browned about 5 minutes. Add in garlic, garam masala and chili powder (if desired). Saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Put mixture into blender. Add in tomato paste and chicken broth and pulse until smooth.
  • Put mixture back in pan and add in half and half. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  • In another pan heat 1 Tbsp butter over high heat and add in chicken that has been salted and peppered.
  • Cook until chicken is no longer pink.
  • Add in sauce and stir. Cook for 3-4 more minutes.
  • Add in 3 Tbsp butter and stir until melted.
  • Serve over rice. Squeeze lime juice over mixture and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

  1. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly so every bite stays tender and juicy.
  2. Don’t skip the spices. The combination of spices is what gives butter chicken its signature flavor. Fresh spices will give you the best flavor and aroma.
  3. Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder. Want more heat? Add a little extra.
  4. Let the sauce simmer. Even a few extra minutes of simmering helps the flavors blend together and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  5. Instead of half and half you can use coconut milk, I prefer full fat.
  6. Serve with rice or naan. The creamy sauce is too good to waste, so be sure to serve it with something that can soak up every bit of it.
  7. Make it ahead. Butter chicken tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
  8. Add fresh cilantro before serving. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the rich sauce and adds fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 1150mg | Potassium: 864mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1005IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.6mg