Description
Dive into this rich and flavorful Creamy Butter Chicken — the perfect easy dinner that brings restaurant-style Indian cuisine to your table. Simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce and infused with aromatic spices, this recipe is ideal for cozy weeknights or when you’re craving bold comfort food. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, easy recipes, or quick food ideas, this dish delivers every time. Serve with naan or basmati rice for a complete, satisfying meal that also makes fantastic leftovers. It’s one of the best easy dinner ideas you’ll make again and again!
Ingredients
0.5 cup plain full-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
0.5 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon sugar
1 cup tomato puree
0.5 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Sear marinated chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add butter and sauté onions until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add garam masala, paprika, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir, then add tomato puree. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream. Return chicken to the pan. Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender.
6. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Marinate overnight for the most flavorful and tender chicken.
Sear chicken in batches to get a nice crust without overcrowding the pan.
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy recipe, butter chicken, Indian dinner, quick dinner, creamy chicken