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+ servings

butter chicken

Rich and flavorful Indian-style butter chicken meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a creamy spiced tomato coconut sauce. Perfect served with rice or naan.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow or white onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala adjust to taste
  • 2.5 teaspoons curry powder mild or hot as preferred
  • 0.75 teaspoon turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adjust to taste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt preferably thick Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro finely minced for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Form the mixture into 16-18 evenly sized meatballs using a medium cookie scoop or hands.
  • Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly crisp on the outside.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), coconut milk, water, and tomato paste. Whisk to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes to deepen flavors.
  • Whisk in Greek yogurt and butter until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
  • Add baked meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve immediately with steamed white rice or naan bread.

Notes

This dish is perfect for making ahead by preparing meatballs a day early and baking just before serving. Adjust cayenne for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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