Description
Indulge in this quick and creamy stovetop Indian butter chicken, packed with rich flavors and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices and let cook for about 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), yogurt, and lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and yogurt.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken, easy butter chicken, creamy chicken curry