This is the easiest Butter Chicken recipe you'll find. Incredible flavors, quick and easy to make, this classic Indian dish will surely become a favorite.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and add them to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Make the butter chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Introduce garlic, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and salt to the onions. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
Mix in the tomato sauce and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently.
In a separate skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until it's nicely browned.
Transfer the cooked chicken to the sauce skillet. Allow it to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes. Then, stir in the cream and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
Serve the Butter Chicken with cooked rice and enjoy.
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Notes
Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
DIY Garam Masala: If garam masala isn't available, don't worry! While this spice blend is typically found in grocery store spice aisles, you can easily make it at home. Follow our homemade garam masala recipe to create your own aromatic blend for this Butter Chicken recipe.
Cream Alternatives: Prefer a different option to cream? Full-fat coconut milk or half & half are excellent substitutes, adding their unique flavors and textures to the dish.
Prepare Sauce in Advance: For convenience, you can make the Butter Chicken sauce beforehand. Simply let it cool down after cooking, store it in an airtight container or glass jar, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully, ready for the addition of chicken when you're set to cook.