Creamy Butter Chicken with Rice – Cozy Indian Dinner Idea
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-butter sauce infused with warm Indian spices—perfect with naan or rice for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the marinade:
1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, chopped
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
For the sauce:
1 tbsp oil or butter
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
1½ cups tomato puree
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
¾ cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix marinade ingredients with chicken. Marinate at least 30 mins.
- Sear chicken in skillet until golden. Set aside.
- In same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add tomato puree, spices, sugar, and salt. Simmer 10 mins.
- Stir in cream and simmer 2–3 mins.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5–7 mins until tender.
- Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Use coconut milk for dairy-free version. Adjust chili for spice preference. Great for make-ahead meals.