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A bowl of creamy butter chicken served with fluffy white rice, naan bread, and garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to enjoy.

Butter Chicken

A rich, creamy Indian-inspired curry that’s quick and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 307
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil For sautéing
  • ¼ cup grated yellow onion From 1 small onion
  • 4 garlic cloves minced (For flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger For flavor
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter Adds creaminess and richness
  • ¾ cup chicken stock For cooking the chicken
  • 8 ounces tomato paste For richness and tang
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds warmth and depth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt To taste
  • 2 teaspoons cumin Adds earthiness
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala Adds warmth and spice
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric For color and flavor
  • 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch cubes (Main protein)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice From 2 lemons, for brightness
  • 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess
  • Fresh cilantro For garnish
  • 6 cups cooked basmati rice For serving

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the grated onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
  3. Stir in the butter, chicken stock, tomato paste, cinnamon, salt, cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. Mix until well combined. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream. Return the dish to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Divide the cooked basmati rice into 6 bowls. Pour the butter chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 400gCalories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 41gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This butter chicken is the perfect comfort meal, rich and flavorful. It's great paired with a side of naan or a crispy vegetable dish.

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