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Creamy Butter Chicken (Rich, Flavorful & Restaurant-Style)


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  • Author: Klara Henschel,
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This creamy butter chicken is rich, buttery, and packed with bold spices. Tender marinated chicken is simmered in a smooth tomato cream sauce for an irresistible halal-friendly comfort dish.


Ingredients

  • Chicken Marinade
  • 28 oz chicken thighs (halal), boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 14 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar


Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix chicken with all marinade ingredients. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until browned (3–5 minutes per side). Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion for 5 minutes until soft.
  4. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add cumin, garam masala, and paprika. Cook for 20 seconds.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, and salt. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Blend the sauce until smooth, then return to pan.
  8. Stir in cream and sugar, then add chicken back to the pan.
  9. Cook for 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is rich and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

  • Use halal-certified chicken.
  • Adjust chili powder for spice level.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian, American