Description
This rich and creamy butter chicken is packed with bold Indian spices and velvety tomato sauce. Tender chicken breast is marinated in tandoori masala, then simmered in a luscious blend of butter, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made easily at home — perfect over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, divided
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1 onion, minced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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3 cups heavy cream
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon garam masala
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1½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 tablespoons tandoori masala
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with tandoori masala and vegetable oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor). -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside. -
Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor. -
Add Cream and Chicken:
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and remaining butter. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add the cooked chicken and let simmer for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated.
Notes
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Adjust cayenne to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 min marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Murgh Makhani, Indian Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken, Tandoori Chicken