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Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Creamy Budget-Friendly Dinner Guide

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A cozy, creamy, and budget-friendly butter chicken recipe that is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Cut into approximately 1-inch pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Sear until no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Pour tomato puree over the chicken. Stir well to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and glossy. Slowly add heavy cream or Greek yogurt, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if sauce is too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar or honey if needed. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite side.

Notes

Toast spices to unlock flavor. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Add butter at the end for creamy texture. Keep heat low when adding cream or yogurt to avoid curdling. Adjust chili powder to taste. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream with coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken recipe, budget-friendly dinner, easy Indian recipe, comfort food, chicken thighs, quick dinner

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/butter-chicken-recipe-easy-creamy-budget-friendly-dinner-guide/