Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout) without stepping foot outside your home. This quick, 25-minute recipe combines tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of fragrant spices, garlic, and ginger, simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce made from tomatoes and your choice of Greek yogurt or coconut milk. It’s not only an ideal dish for busy weeknights but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for special gatherings. Serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a comforting meal that rivals your favorite restaurant takeout.

Ingredients

Scale

500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1½ teaspoons garam masala
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¾ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
¾ cup Greek yogurt or coconut milk
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken: Mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Cook chicken: Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cooking until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Make sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, ginger, garam masala, and chili powder; stir for 30 seconds.
4. Create tomato base: Combine tomato paste and purée; simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Finish dish: Stir in cream (or substitute), return chicken to skillet, simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until creamy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust spice levels by varying chili powder amount. Pair with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.