🍗 Creamy, Authentic & Irresistible! ✨ Classic Butter Chicken Recipe (Ready in 45 Minutes!) ⏱️🇮🇳
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Craving the rich, velvety goodness of Indian takeout? This Classic Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken in a spiced tomato-cream sauce that’s easy to make at home—healthier and more flavorful than your local restaurant! 🍛✨ Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the magic of Indian cuisine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
✅ Restaurant-quality taste – without the heavy cream or butter overload!
✅ Ready in 45 minutes – faster than delivery!
✅ Healthier twist – lighter but still luxuriously creamy!
✅ Kid-approved – mild, aromatic spices for all palates! 👨👩👧👦
✅ Freezer-friendly – make a big batch for later! ❄️
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
(Serves 4-6)
- For the Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed 🍗
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 🥛
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- Fresh cilantro for garnish 🌿
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and coat evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Sear chicken in batches until golden. Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
- Sauté onion in remaining butter until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend sauce until smooth (optional for silky texture).
4️⃣ Combine & Simmer
- Return sauce to the pan. Stir in cream and cooked chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve!
- Top with cilantro. Serve with basmati rice or naan! 🍚
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
Cook’s Notes 🌟
🔹 Marinate longer – 24 hours = maximum flavor and tenderness!
🔹 Adjust spice level – add cayenne or chili powder for heat! 🌶️
🔹 Dairy-free? – Use coconut milk and vegan butter.
🔹 Freeze leftovers – store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. ❄️
🔹 Skip blending – leave sauce chunky for a rustic texture.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Classic Pairing: Fluffy basmati rice + garlic naan 🥖
- Low-Carb Twist: Cauliflower rice + cucumber raita 🥒
- Party Platter: Serve with samosas + mango chutney 🌶️
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers with steamed veggies! 🍱
Why Classic Butter Chicken? 🇮🇳
This recipe is comfort in a bowl! The yogurt-marinated chicken stays juicy, while the tomato-cream sauce balances spice and sweetness. It’s gluten-free adaptable, dairy-free optional, and perfect for beginners—swap in tofu for a vegetarian twist or add spinach for extra greens.
Tag us in your #ButterChickenMagic pics! 📸 Tried it? Share your spin below! 👇
🔍 Classic Butter Chicken Recipe, Healthy Indian Recipes, 45-Minute Meals, Gluten-Free Indian Food, Meal Prep Chicken, Dairy-Free Butter Chicken
Love this? Try our [Chicken Tikka Masala] or [Vegetable Korma] next! 🍴🔥
