Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy Butter Chicken made with plant-based butter and spices, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week. This classic Indian-inspired dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato and spice sauce enhanced with plant-based cream and natural ingredients, delivering delicious comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 cup tomato puree (natural)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste (natural)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with a pinch of salt, turmeric, and a spoonful of plant-based butter. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the spices and richness, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat plant-based butter in a large pan over medium heat and gently sauté the finely chopped onions until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and ginger paste, stirring until fragrant to build the aromatic base for the sauce.
- Cook Spices and Tomato Puree: Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and black pepper. Stir continuously to lightly toast the spices and release their full aroma. Pour in the tomato puree (natural) and apple cider vinegar. Simmer this mixture to meld the flavors into a rich, tangy sauce.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce and cook on medium-low heat until fully tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the sauce to bubble gently to thicken.
- Finish with Cream and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), giving the Butter Chicken a creamy and silky texture with a complex umami boost. Optionally, add the natural gelling agent to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a fragrant and colorful finish. Serve immediately, paired with your favorite sides such as basmati rice or plant-based naan.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer, several hours or overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to develop creamier texture and richer taste.
- Use freshly ground spices for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Adjust chili and pepper levels gradually to control heat according to preference.
- Use chicken thighs as they stay tender and absorb flavors better than breast meat.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, plant-based butter chicken, Indian recipe, creamy tomato chicken, gluten free dinner, plant-based cream recipe
