Description
Creamy, rich, and deeply spiced, this easy Homemade Butter Chicken with Coconut Milk is a quick dinner idea that delivers cozy comfort and bold flavor. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal that’s naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk and perfect for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, Indian-inspired comfort food, or food ideas with bold spices.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon cooking oil or ghee
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon lime juice or vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and golden.
2. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it darkens.
5. Add chicken pieces, stir to coat, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
6. Pour in coconut milk. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
7. Stir in lime juice or vinegar, adjust salt to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier, but breasts work too.
Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, butter chicken, coconut milk, Indian food, dairy-free