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1. Prepare the Marinade - In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and ginger. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Indulge in a rich and flavorful creamy butter chicken that’s easy to make at home! This dish features tender marinated chicken cooked in a luscious sauce of tomatoes and heavy cream, enhanced with spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Perfectly paired with fluffy rice or warm naan, it’s an irresistible meal for any night of the week. Just 40 minutes to a mouthwatering dinner that will delight your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cubed

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors).

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard excess marinade) and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

        Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Season with salt. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Make it Creamy: Lower the heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes.

            Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce.

              Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4