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Easy Butter Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe 30 Minutes Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy butter chicken tikka masala recipe ready in under 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken in a creamy, smoky, and spicy tomato sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or coconut cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce base: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, and chili powder. Cook 1 minute to toast spices. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken sauce.
  5. Finish sauce and chicken: Return chicken to skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer on low heat for 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top before serving.

Notes

If sauce gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water or cream. Brown chicken properly without overcrowding the pan for best flavor. Adjust chili powder to taste. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, tikka masala, quick dinner, easy Indian recipe, creamy chicken, weeknight meal, spicy chicken, Indian comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-butter-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-30-minutes-perfect-dinner/