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Famous Butter Chicken

A creamy, flavorful comfort dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, perfect for busy nights or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken marinade
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Thighs have a rich flavor that makes this dish even better!
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Keeps the chicken tender.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala Your secret weapon for spices.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust according to spice preference.
  • to taste Salt
For the sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Bring on the indulgence!
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream For richness.
  • 2 teaspoons sugar To balance acidity.
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  3. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add onion and sauté until golden brown, then add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes while stirring.
  6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet along with heavy cream and sugar. Stir and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm naan or fluffy rice.

Notes

Don't rush the marination for flavor. Adjust the spice level and repurpose leftover sauce creatively.