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Quick Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe from Scratch Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy butter chicken recipe that delivers rich, creamy, and tender chicken in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for cozy dinners and adaptable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) tomato puree
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons ground garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder or paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat and cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed skillet. Once melted and foamy, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle garam masala, cumin, and red chili powder (or paprika) into the pan. Stir and toast the spices for 30 seconds to release aroma.
  5. Pour in tomato puree, stir to combine, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until thickened and raw tomato smell fades.
  6. Add chicken pieces to the sauce, coating well. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring gently halfway through.
  7. Remove lid, pour in heavy cream, and stir gently to combine. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until sauce is creamy and coats the chicken. Taste and add salt as needed.
  8. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and optional fenugreek leaves over the top. Stir and turn off heat.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to avoid steaming and ensure better texture. Simmer chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy. Toast spices briefly to enhance flavor. Adjust creaminess by using half-and-half or adding yogurt for a lighter sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth. Can be adapted for dairy-free by using ghee or vegan margarine and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, quick butter chicken, easy Indian recipe, chicken thighs recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy tomato sauce, garam masala chicken

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/quick-creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-from-scratch-easy-and-perfect/