Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe features tender baked chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices, garlic, and caramelized onions. A comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter divided
- 1 onion minced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Caramelize the Onion and Garlic
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking slowly until the onions reach a deep caramel-brown color, approximately 15 minutes.
Create the Cream Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, heavy cream, remaining butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After simmering, incorporate the caramelized onion and garlic into the sauce.
Season and Bake the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add vegetable oil and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Sprinkle with tandoori masala and distribute evenly on a baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 12 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Add the baked chicken to the simmering sauce and cook together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
To ensure this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is fully gluten-free, verify that the tandoori masala and garam masala used are certified gluten-free, as certain spice blends may contain additives or traces of wheat. All other ingredients in this recipe—chicken, butter, cream, tomato sauce, garlic, and onions—are naturally gluten-free. For complete assurance, consider using individual gluten-free spices to create your own masala blends.