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Creamy Butter Chicken

Creamy Butter Chicken

by Nabeela Kauser
A rich, balanced butter chicken with tender marinated chicken, smooth tomato-cashew sauce, and a hint of fenugreek and ginger brightness—a home-friendly yet elegant version of the classic.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 575 kcal

Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 120 g Yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder or mild chilli powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
  • 30 g Butter
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 1 Onion finely chopped
  • 1 Green Chilli
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 200 g Tomatoes canned, crushed or diced
  • 50 g Cashews soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained
  • 150 ml Water or chicken stock, low salt
  • 100 ml Double Cream
  • ½ tsp Kasuri Methi dried fenugreek leaves, lightly crushed
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander fresh, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, ginger paste and garlic paste until smooth.
  • Add the chicken pieces, turning to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (preferably 3–4 hours or overnight for deeper flavour).
  • Meanwhile, soak the cashews in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain. Blend the cashews with 50 ml water into a smooth paste and set aside.
  • Heat half the butter and the oil in a heavy, wide pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (in batches if necessary) and sear until just browned on both sides but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Add the chopped onion and sliced green chilli. Sauté until the onion is soft and turning golden (about 6–7 minutes).
  • Add the tomato paste, then the canned tomatoes. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Pour in the cashew paste and 100 ml of water (or stock), stirring well to combine. Simmer gently for 4 minutes, stirring to avoid sticking.
  • Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices. Stir gently, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Lower the heat, stir in the double cream, crushed kasuri methi, and sugar. Adjust salt if needed. Let it warm through without boiling (1–2 minutes).
  • Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 26gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 833mgPotassium: 645mgFibre: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1311IUVitamin C: 14mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 93mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Butter, Chicken, Creamy, Curry, Food, Recipe
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