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A plate of homemade authentic Indian butter chicken with creamy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with naan bread.

Homemade Authentic Indian Butter Chicken: Easy & Flavorful Recipe

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Discover the delicious authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or family dinners, this easy homemade butter chicken is bursting with aromatic spices and authentic flavors that bring the taste of India right to your kitchen.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Optional: Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for added flavor

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat butter or ghee in a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until opaque and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Pour in tomato puree, stir well, season with salt, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in Kasuri methi if using.
  5. Reduce heat, mix in heavy cream and remaining butter. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust spice levels to preference by adding more chili powder or garam masala.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for an authentic touch.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Dairy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg