SIMPLE RECIPES MADE FOR YOU

Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Ramen

One-Pan Cheddar Chicken

FREE RECIPE: Creamy Butter Chicken - Ready in 30 Minutes | Cooking With Shae

My family begs me for this one every Sunday! This creamy, rich butter chicken is way better than takeout and costs under R150 for 4 people. The secret? That swirl of cream at the end.

PREP: 10 mins | COOK: 20 mins | SERVES: 4

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

- 800g chicken breast or thigh, cut into cubes

- 1 cup plain yoghurt

- 2 tsp SHAE All-Purpose Spice (or 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp garam masala)

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Sauce:

- 3 tbsp butter

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

- 400g tin chopped tomatoes

- 1/2 cup tomato paste

- 1 cup fresh cream (or coconut cream)

- 2 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)

- 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

- Fresh dhania/cilantro to garnish

To Serve:

- Basmati rice

- Garlic naan or roti

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken (10 mins):

In a bowl, mix yoghurt, spices, salt and lemon. Add chicken cubes, coat well. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep (or overnight for extra flavour).

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken (shake off excess yoghurt) and cook 5-6 mins until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

In same pan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Fry onion 3 mins until soft. Add garlic and ginger, fry 1 min. Add tinned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and chilli. Simmer 8 mins until thick.

4. Bring it Together:

Blend sauce with stick blender if you want it smooth (optional but I love it!). Return to pan, add cream and seared chicken. Simmer 5 mins until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.

5. Serve:

Swirl extra cream on top, sprinkle dhania. Serve hot with rice and naan.

Shae's Tips:

- Budget tip: Use chicken thighs - cheaper and juicier than breast

- No cream? Use 1/2 cup plain yoghurt + 1/2 cup milk

Did you make it? Tag me @CookingWithShae on TikTok and Facebook - I want to see your plate

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