Description
Craving a restaurant-style curry at home? This Homemade Butter Chicken With Coconut Milk is your answer. A rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian classic made completely dairy-free using coconut milk. Juicy marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-coconut sauce, this quick dinner is perfect for easy weeknight meals or cozy food ideas. Whether you’re looking for healthy snack ideas, easy dinner recipes, or dinner ideas with bold flavors, this butter chicken checks every box.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
¾ cup tomato puree
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix chicken with half the garlic, half the ginger, lime juice, salt, turmeric, and chili powder. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
2. Heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the marinated chicken until golden brown. Do not cook through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until golden. Add remaining garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in garam masala, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Toast for 30 seconds.
5. Add tomato puree and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Adjust salt and add more chili powder if desired.
6. Lower heat and pour in the coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes while stirring gently.
7. Return chicken to the pan and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
8. Finish with a splash of lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Always use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best sauce consistency.
Marinate the chicken ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster.
Don’t skip the final lime juice—it lifts and balances the richness of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg