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Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Murgh Makhani with Rich Tomato Sauce

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A rich and creamy butter chicken recipe featuring a slow-cooked tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken thighs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss chicken pieces in marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add chili powder, paprika, and garam masala. Mix for 30 seconds, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and oil separates, about 12-15 minutes.
  4. In another pan, heat remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken into the tomato sauce. Stir to coat. Lower heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust salt or chili powder as desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor and tenderness. Sauté onions slowly to develop sweetness. Add cream slowly to prevent curdling. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock. Avoid overcrowding pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, murgh makhani, creamy chicken curry, Indian recipe, easy dinner, tomato sauce, marinated chicken

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-murgh-makhani-with-rich-tomato-sauce/