Description
This Butter Chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy plant-based sauce bursting with balanced aromatic spices. Easy to prepare using fresh, simple ingredients, it offers a luxurious, velvety texture ideal for any meal occasion and is perfect for those seeking a flavorful, comforting one-pan dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 cup natural tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp garlic and ginger paste (natural)
- 1 tsp garam masala (natural)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken thighs with garlic and ginger paste, a pinch of salt, red chili powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let marinate for 30 minutes to enhance juiciness and flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat plant-based butter in a pan until melted and sizzling. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add more plant-based butter and sauté garlic and ginger paste until fragrant. Stir in natural tomato puree, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for several minutes until the spices release their aroma and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pan, gently mix, and pour in plant-based heavy cream. Sprinkle in natural gelling agent to achieve a silky texture. Simmer on low heat until the sauce coats the chicken evenly and flavors meld.
- Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, fresh contrast.
Notes
- Opt for chicken thighs over breast for juicier, more tender meat.
- Simmer gently to develop flavors fully without burning the cream.
- Bloom spices in fat to maximize aroma.
- Use natural gelling agent sparingly to maintain a smooth, non-thickened sauce texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Plant-Based Butter Chicken, Creamy Indian Chicken, One-Pan Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken
