Description
Succulent Indian Butter Chicken whisks dinner guests into a rich, aromatic culinary journey through northern India’s most beloved dish. Fragrant spices and velvety sauce promise a memorable meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt
Dairy and Creamy Base:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup sour cream
Spices and Aromatics:
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 0.25 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper for 30 minutes at room temperature to infuse deep flavors.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to foam and turn golden.
- Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped green chilies and tomato paste, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Introduce marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream and sour cream into the skillet, reducing heat to low and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 10-12 minutes.
- Gently stir the sauce, ensuring chicken is completely coated and the cream mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly cool.
Notes
- Experiment with boneless chicken breasts as a leaner protein alternative while maintaining the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers luxurious, silky consistency.
- Balance spice levels by adjusting green chili quantity or removing seeds for milder palates without compromising authentic flavor profile.
- Enhance meal prep by marinating chicken overnight in refrigerator, allowing deeper penetration of aromatic spices and tenderizing meat more effectively.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 960
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 82 g
- Saturated Fat: 48 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg