The Best No-Fuss Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
This easy butter chicken recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and comes together quickly and effortlessly! So grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Servings: 4 people
Equipment
- medium mixing bowl with lid
- cast iron pot or large frying pan
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or full fat plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala see notes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp powdered ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
Curry
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp raw organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained optional
Serve With
- Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or naan bread
- cilantro garnish optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces, set aside.
Prepare Butter Chicken Sauce
- In a medium size mixing bowl, combine marinade ingredients, except chicken pieces, stirring well to incorporate all ingredients. Add chicken pieces to your marinade, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate chicken over night. (See Note).
Cook Chicken
- In a large cast iron pot, or pan with high sides, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Arrange your chicken pieces in the pot or pan in a single layer and cook until chicken turns white (about 4 minutes). The chicken won't brown because of the marinade. For best results, turn chicken pieces after about two minutes. Add any leftover marinade to the pot.
- Stir in drained and rinsed chick peas, tomato paste, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Turn heat down and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve
- Serve with basmati rice, jasmine rice, or fresh naan bread, and optional cilantro garnish.
Notes
- Step 2: If you're short on time, marinate the chicken covered in the fridge for 30 minutes and then proceed. I've made the recipe both ways, and while there isn't as much depth of flavor with a shorter marinating time, it still tastes great!
- Easily make your own Garam Masala with this easy recipe.