Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken in spiced creamy tomato sauce, finished with butter and fresh cilantro. Comforting, flavorful, and simple.

# Ingredients:

→ Marinade

01 - 2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into pieces
02 - 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Sauce

09 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
12 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
15 - 15 ounces canned tomato puree
16 - 1 cup heavy cream or unsweetened coconut milk
17 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Combine boneless chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor development.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and sear until lightly browned on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
05 - Add garam masala, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Pour in tomato puree and mix to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and thicken the sauce.
07 - Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce, blending thoroughly. Return the seared chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce achieves a rich, creamy consistency.
08 - Taste and adjust salt or spice level if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For extra depth, marinate the chicken overnight and allow the sauce to simmer gently to fully integrate flavors.

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