Description
This Homemade Butter Chicken With Coconut Milk is a comforting, creamy, and spice-filled dish made dairy-free with full-fat coconut milk. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence. Serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan for a restaurant-style experience right at home.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet.
6. Simmer for 15–20 minutes on medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
7. Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.
Notes
Marinating the chicken even for 15 minutes helps boost flavor.
Don’t skip blooming the spices in oil—it intensifies the taste dramatically.
For ultra-smooth sauce, blend before adding the chicken back in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 4)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: butter chicken, coconut milk, dairy-free, Indian, creamy chicken