Description
This 30 Minute Spicy Coconut Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a creamy coconut butter sauce with aromatic garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Ready in just half an hour, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal served with steamed rice and warm naan.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk (or substitute 1 cup cream)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
For Serving
- Steamed rice
- Naan bread
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss well to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes total. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and toss to coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the mixture until very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup water and the full can of coconut milk to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with an additional 1/2 to 1 cup coconut milk.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit more and the chicken is cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the spicy coconut butter chicken hot over steamed rice, accompanied by warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Using bone-in chicken thighs can add extra flavor but will require longer cooking time.
- Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang; if unavailable, plain yogurt can be substituted.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: butter chicken, spicy chicken curry, coconut milk chicken, easy Indian recipe, quick chicken curry
