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Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe

This incredible butter chicken recipe, passed down from an Indian colleague, is a family favorite! Forget those jars – this homemade version, featuring juicy chicken thighs and caramelized onions, is unbelievably flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Even my colleague was impressed! Get ready for rich, creamy, and aromatic perfection.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 42 mins
Calories 521.9 kcal
Protein 50g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Authentic Butter Chicken 74

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken

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How to Make Authentic Butter Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
  2. Add 1.5 lbs of diced chicken thighs to the wok and brown until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of ghee in the wok over medium heat.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste).
  5. Stir with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the spices begin to form a paste. Be careful not to burn.
  6. Return the cooked onions and chicken to the wok. Stir to coat everything in the spice paste.
  7. Add 1 (28 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (or 2 cups of pureed tomatoes) and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup plain yogurt.
  10. Simmer for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  11. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

15 g

Sugar

47g

Fat

77g

Carbs

7g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Curries 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Main Dish Poultry Asian Indian Chicken Meat Chicken Thighs Legs