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Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout), a dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into a culinary delight. In just 25 minutes, you can create a creamy, spiced sauce enveloping tender chicken pieces, offering a satisfying alternative to your favorite takeout. Perfect for impressing family and friends, this Indian-inspired recipe is not only quick but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various proteins or vegetables. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for an unforgettable meal that captures the essence of authentic Indian cuisine.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1½ teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¾ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Heat butter and oil in a skillet; cook marinated chicken until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft; add garlic, ginger, garam masala, and chili powder for aroma.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and purée; simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
  5. Add cream; return chicken to skillet and simmer until tender (5–7 minutes).
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: Marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. Adjust spice levels to your preference by varying chili powder.