Authentic Butter Chicken

Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken recipe. Packed with rich flavors, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce, this easy Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners.

If you love rich, savory Indian flavors, this Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken is going to become an instant favorite in your household. There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice to comfort you after a long day. Making Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken at home is surprisingly simple, and the results of this Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken are much better than takeout.

Here is how you can bring the magic of Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You Need

To make the best Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken, you will need to prepare a quick marinade for the chicken and a luscious sauce.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 14 oz canned tomato puree

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are completely coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor in your Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the ghee or butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the cumin, garam masala, coriander, and chili powder, stirring constantly to toast the spices.

4. Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato puree and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce darkens in color.

5. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and sugar. This creates the signature velvety texture that defines Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken.

6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Your homemade Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken is now ready! Garnish your Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken with fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of cream. Serve this Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken hot alongside warm garlic naan and steamed basmati rice for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy every bite of this spectacular Creamy Tomato & Spiced Butter Chicken!