Description
This butter chicken with coconut milk is the ultimate easy dinner idea. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with bold Indian-inspired spices. A perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or cozy weekend indulgence, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes using one skillet. It’s dairy-free and absolutely mouthwatering — a must-add to your healthy dinner recipes or comfort food ideas.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garam masala.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden on both sides, then remove from pan.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until darkened slightly.
5. Stir in garam masala, smoked paprika, and turmeric; toast spices briefly.
6. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine into a smooth sauce.
7. Return chicken to pan, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
8. Finish with lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot over rice or with naan, optionally garnished with cilantro.
Notes
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich, creamy sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken; let it simmer gently to stay juicy.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days — it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: butter chicken with coconut milk, easy dinner, Indian recipe, healthy comfort food, one-pan chicken recipe