Rich and Creamy Butter Chicken

Ingredients

1 cup butter, divided
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
3 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garam masala
1½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized chunks)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, gather all ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, and sauté them slowly until the onions turn dark brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for the rich flavor of the dish.
In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining butter, tomato sauce, heavy cream, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. After 30 minutes, add the caramelized onions to the sauce, enhancing its deep, savory flavor.
While the sauce simmers, toss the chicken pieces in vegetable oil until evenly coated. Season the chicken with tandoori masala and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Once the chicken is baked, add it to the creamy tomato sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair it with basmati rice or naan for a comforting, authentic Indian meal.

Indian Butter Chicken is a beloved dish for its velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces. This easy recipe lets you bring the authentic taste of restaurant-style butter chicken right to your kitchen. With a balance of rich spices, creamy texture, and juicy chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside rice or naan, and you’ll have a meal that satisfies cravings with every bite.