Easy Indian Butter Chicken – Indian
Recipe Summary
- This recipe for Easy Indian Butter Chicken is described as so good and so easy that it's stunning. It features tender chicken pieces baked with Tandoori masala, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with caramelized onions, garlic, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a delicious homemade Indian meal.
All Ingredients - For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast 1.5 pounds
- Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons
- Tandoori masala 2 tablespoons
All Ingredients - For the Sauce
- Onion 1 (minced)
- Garlic 1 tablespoon (minced)
- Butter 1 cup + a few tablespoons
- Tomato sauce 1 (15 ounce) can
- Heavy cream 3 cups
- Salt 2 teaspoons
- Cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala 1 teaspoon
Tools You'll Need
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Heavy cream?
- 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup melted butter — Good for sauces, not whipping.
- Equal parts evaporated milk
- Full-fat coconut milk (1:1) — Adds mild coconut flavor.
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 190°C) (190 degrees Celsius (approximately 375°F)).
Step 2: Mince Onion and Garlic
Mince one onion and one tablespoon of garlic. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken
Cube 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the chicken and toss until all pieces are coated with the oil.
Step 4: Season Chicken
Season the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Tandoori masala. Toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 5: Bake Chicken
Spread the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for , or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Step 6: Cover Chicken
Remove the chicken from the oven and cover it with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 7: Caramelize Onions and Garlic
Place a skillet over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized to a dark brown color. This will take about . Remove from heat.
Step 8: Prepare Sauce Base
Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 cup of butter to the saucepan and let it melt.
Step 9: Add Sauce Ingredients
Add 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 3 cups of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala to the saucepan.
Step 10: Simmer Sauce
Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Simmer the sauce for , stirring it occasionally.
Step 11: Combine and Finish
After , add the caramelized onions and garlic, and the baked chicken pieces to the sauce. Simmer everything together for another .
Step 12: Serve
The Easy Indian Butter Chicken is now ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, warm naan bread, and steamed green beans.
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