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Flavorful Butter Chicken Recipe with Creamy Coconut Tomato Sauce

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A quick and easy butter chicken recipe featuring a creamy coconut tomato sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or fresh pureed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
  • Optional: 1 tbsp heavy cream or plain yogurt for extra creaminess or tang

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them brown better. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate fresh ginger.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or fresh puree, stir well, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened.
  6. Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  7. Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  8. Add salt, pepper, and lemon or lime juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to brown better. Toast spices briefly to release oils but avoid burning. Simmer gently on low heat to prevent coconut milk from curdling. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or simmering longer. Use a timer to avoid overcooking chicken. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and chicken with tofu or chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, coconut tomato sauce, easy butter chicken, creamy chicken curry, Indian chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/flavorful-butter-chicken-recipe-with-creamy-coconut-tomato-sauce-easy-steps/