Description
This easy Butter Chicken recipe provides a comforting and rich meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in plant-based yogurt and aromatic spices, it delivers a creamy texture and vibrant flavors. The sauce blends tomato puree, natural spices, and plant-based butter into a luscious coating that brings classic Indian taste to your table quickly and effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 150g plant-based yogurt
- 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
Sauce and Seasoning
- 200g tomato puree
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tbsp plant-based yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix plant-based yogurt, garlic and ginger paste, ground turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade, coating thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb spices and tenderize.
- Sauté the Base Flavors: Heat plant-based butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger paste and sauté until fragrant. Stir in ground cumin, coriander, and paprika, allowing spices to bloom and develop aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until surfaces develop a golden-brown crust, locking in juiciness and building flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in tomato puree, then add apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir well and simmer on low heat to meld flavors and thicken sauce. Sprinkle natural gelling agent and stir to achieve a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Finish with Creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in plant-based butter and a dollop of plant-based yogurt. Mix gently until sauce is creamy and coats the chicken. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving to add fresh, vibrant notes.
Notes
- Marinate chicken well for tender, flavorful bites.
- Toast spices gently in butter to unlock full flavor before adding liquids.
- Using chicken thighs keeps the dish moist and succulent.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding a little water or more natural gelling agent.
- Do not skip fresh cilantro garnish; it brightens and balances the sauce.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Plant-Based Yogurt, Indian Spices, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free, Family Friendly, Creamy Sauce
