Creamy Tomato Butter Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Ready in 40 minutes.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp garam masala
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1 tsp salt
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
15 - 1 tsp paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
17 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
19 - 1 tbsp sugar
20 - Salt, to taste
21 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, reserving any juices.
03 - Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden brown. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Stir in ground coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Toast spices for 30 seconds to release their oils. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Return browned chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce begins to thicken slightly.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes to incorporate. Adjust salt to taste. The sauce should be rich and velvety.
07 - Remove from heat. Serve immediately, generously garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Accompany with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for soaking up the sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender, almost like its been slow-cooked for hours
- You get restaurant-quality results in under 45 minutes without any hard-to-find ingredients
02 -
- The sauce will look way too liquid before you add the cream—this is completely normal
- Letting the chicken marinate even for 10 minutes makes a noticeable difference in flavor
03 -
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even searing
- Dont skimp on the butter—that richness is what makes it taste restaurant-quality