SaveButter Chicken (Indian)
Tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce. The gateway to Indian cooking.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $14.00 · $3.50/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes (one can)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cup basmati rice (for serving)
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken in yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Let sit at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs1/2 cup plain yogurt1 tsp garam masala1 tsp turmeric1 tsp chili powder - 2
Melt butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken pieces 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2 tbsp unsalted butter - 3
Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the pan. Cook diced onion until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, and remaining garam masala. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
1 tbsp unsalted butter1 large yellow onion4 cloves garlic1 tbsp fresh ginger1 tsp cumin1 tsp garam masala - 4
Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
14 oz crushed tomatoes1 tsp sugar1 tsp salt - 5
Stir in heavy cream. Return chicken to sauce. Simmer 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through to 165°F and sauce has thickened. Garnish with cilantro. Serve over basmati rice.
3/4 cup heavy cream2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Pairs With
Aromatic Alsatian Gewurztraminer
Floral, spicy notes complement the garam masala beautifully
English-style IPA, not too bitter
Hops and spice are classic companions
Mango, yogurt, cardamom, ice
Cooling dairy tempers the heat, traditional pairing
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Bollywood classics, sitar-infused beats, and world fusion that matches the complexity of the spices.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Overnight marination makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.
- •A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- •The broiler char on the chicken is non-negotiable — it adds smoky depth that pan-searing can't match.
- •Finishing with cold butter off-heat creates the signature velvety texture.
Substitutions
- heavy cream → coconut cream for dairy-free
- chicken thighs → paneer cubes for vegetarian
- plain yogurt → coconut yogurt for dairy-free
- ghee → clarified butter or neutral oil
- kasuri methi → available at Indian grocery stores or online — no real substitute
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Tastes even better the next day as spices meld. Freezes well for 3 months.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
