Butter Chicken Greek Yogurt Recipe

Name: Butter Chicken Greek Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces; 2 tablespoons butter or ghee; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 400ml canned crushed tomatoes; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish); Naan or rice (optional, for serving)

Butter chicken is a familiar favourite, and this version made with Greek yogurt offers a simple way to revisit the recipe. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or planning ahead for leftovers, this butter chicken Greek yogurt recipe is easy to prepare and can be adapted based on what you have on hand.

Tips Before Making Your Butter Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Marinating Tips for Maximum Flavour

To achieve rich flavour, pay attention to your chicken marinade ingredients. Using spices like garam masala, cumin, and chili powder combined with Greek yogurt can help tenderize the chicken. Allow the marinated chicken to rest in the fridge for at least a few hours, ideally overnight, to ensure the flavours fully develop. This step makes a notable difference in the final taste of your butter chicken recipe.

Balancing Spices and Acidity

A traditional butter chicken features a mildly spiced creamy tomato sauce. When preparing the curry sauce, balancing spices such as garam masala, cumin, and chili powder with ingredients like tomatoes, Greek yogurt, and butter or ghee helps create harmony in the dish. Letting the sauce simmer gently will meld the flavours together beautifully. Serve your butter chicken with naan for a comforting meal inspired by classic Indian recipes. It’s easy to see why many people love this recipe, it’s simple to prepare and always satisfying.

Accueil Recettes Meals Butter Chicken Greek Yogurt Recipe

15 minutes

30 minutes

Ingredients

For the marinade

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces

For the sauce

2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
400ml canned crushed tomatoes
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Naan or rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. 2Cook the chicken: Heat half of the butter or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, discarding excess marinade, and cook until browned on all sides. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. 3Make the sauce: In the same one pan, melt remaining butter or ghee. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, and chili powder, and sauté for another minute. 4Simmer the sauce: Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return cooked chicken to the sauce. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing flavours to blend and chicken to cook fully. 5Finish the dish: Reduce heat to low, stir in Greek yogurt, and cook gently for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and creamy. 6Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with naan or rice.

Questions Related to the Butter Chicken Greek Yogurt Recipe

Can I Freeze Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can easily freeze butter chicken. After preparing your butter chicken sauce, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring the chicken curry into airtight freezer-safe containers. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat. This is a convenient way to quickly make butter chicken at home when you’re short on time.

Can I Meal Prep Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a great recipe for meal prep. Simply marinate the chicken, cook it according to the recipe instructions, then divide the chicken and rice into individual portions. Store each portion of cooked chicken in a bowl or airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently and add the yogurt marinade as directed when you’re ready to serve. Preparing ahead can even enhance the chicken taste, as flavours continue to blend over time.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Over Chicken Thighs?

Certainly! You can substitute diced chicken breasts for thighs. Chicken breasts typically cook faster and are leaner, which can slightly alter the overall texture and juiciness. For best results, carefully monitor cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out. Another alternative would be to put the chicken breasts in a marinade for a longer period, similar to tandoori chicken, to help keep the meat tender.

This butter chicken with Greek yogurt recipe offers a simple way to make a classic dish at home. If you’re looking for more inspiration with Greek yogurt, consider trying a Greek yogurt tuna salad or even some tasty banana muffins with Greek yogurt.