Description
This quick and flavorful Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and comforting meal in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce made with plant-based butter, fragrant spices, and coconut cream, it is perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
- 1 cup tomato puree (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garam masala to infuse early flavor.
- Sauté the Base: Heat the plant-based butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger paste and cook briefly to release their aroma.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree, then add ground coriander and cumin. Stir continuously to combine and cook for a few minutes. Add the apple cider vinegar to add brightness and balance. Let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, coating them thoroughly. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the coconut cream gradually, adjusting the sauce consistency as preferred. Simmer gently to blend the creamy texture with the spices and chicken.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat.
- Sauté onions until golden for natural sweetness and balanced acidity.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to develop deeper flavors.
- Add coconut cream gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Finish with fresh cilantro just before serving for brightness and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Plant-Based Butter, Quick Dinner, Indian Curry, Gluten-Free, Easy Weeknight Meal
