Butter Chicken Creamy Tomato (Printable)
Tender chicken simmered in spiced creamy tomato sauce, ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp garam masala
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1 tsp salt
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
15 - 1 tsp paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
17 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
19 - 1 tbsp sugar
20 - Salt, to taste
21 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in coriander, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom spices. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro alongside steamed rice or naan.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce hits that perfect balance between creamy richness and warming spices that make you close your eyes while eating
- Most ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry, making it an impressive last minute dinner
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, if you somehow manage not to eat it all in one sitting
02 -
- Letting the chicken marinate for even 10 minutes makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor penetration
- Dont be tempted to skip the sugar, it balances the acidity of tomatoes and helps all the spices meld together
- The sauce will continue thickening as it cools, so dont over-reduce it while cooking
03 -
- Grating your ginger instead of mincing gives you that perfect burst of flavor without stringy bits
- Room temperature yogurt mixes more smoothly into the marinade and prevents any curdling in the sauce