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IndianNon-veg

Butter Chicken

Tender chicken in a creamy tomato-butter sauce.

50 min4 servesmedium

Butter Chicken is a classic protein-forward Indian recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 4 and comes together in roughly 50 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 50 minutes of active cooking. The method leans on slow simmering, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are chicken thigh, yogurt and tomato. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts if you tend to overcook protein and full-fat dairy will always behave more predictably than low-fat versions.

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Nutrition · per servingestimated

209

kcal

17g

Protein

11g

Carbs

11g

Fat

high-proteincomfortclassic

Ingredients

  • chicken thigh600 g
  • yogurt0.5 cup
  • tomato6
  • cashews0.25 cup
  • butter4 tbsp
  • cream0.5 cup
  • ginger1 tbsp
  • garlic6 cloves
  • garam masala1 tsp
  • kasuri methi1 tsp
  • chili powder1 tsp
  • saltstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~13 min

    Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic, chili and salt for 30 minutes.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~13 min

    Char chicken in a hot pan; set aside.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~13 min

    Simmer tomato and cashews till soft; blend smooth, strain.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~14 min

    Cook sauce in butter, add cream, garam masala, kasuri methi and chicken. Simmer 10 minutes.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 50 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Keep the pot at a lazy simmer, not a hard boil. Bubbles should break the surface slowly; aggressive boiling tightens proteins and muddies the sauce.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Butter Chicken take to cook?
From prep to plate, Butter Chicken takes about 50 minutes and yields 4 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Butter Chicken vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (chicken thigh, yogurt, tomato). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Butter Chicken?
The headline ingredients are chicken thigh, yogurt, tomato. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 8. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Butter Chicken?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken pairs naturally with classic indian sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.