---
project: "[[00_MANIFEST-recipes]]"
folder: "[[00_INDEX-entrees-recipes]]"
title: Big-Batch Butter Chicken
servings: 8
ingredients:
  - 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
  - 1 cup plain yogurt
  - 2 tbsp garam masala, divided
  - 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  - 8 cloves garlic, minced
  - 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
  - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  - 1 cup heavy cream
  - 4 tbsp butter
  - 1 tbsp ground cumin
  - 1 tsp cayenne
  - 2 tbsp neutral oil
  - salt to taste
  - "[[Steamed White Rice]] to serve"
instructions:
  - "**Marinate** — In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the yogurt, 1 tbsp garam masala, ginger, and garlic. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 8–12 hours overnight."
  - "**Sear** — Heat the oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches so the chicken is not crowded, brown the marinated chicken on the outside. It does not need to be cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate."
  - "**Build the base** — Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pot. Add the finely chopped yellow onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the remaining 1 tbsp garam masala, cumin, and cayenne; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant."
  - "**Simmer** — Add the crushed tomatoes and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened."
  - "**Finish** — Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Taste and add salt as needed. Serve over steamed rice."
protein:
  - chicken
active-preparation-minutes: 25
passive-preparation-minutes: 60
cook-time-minutes: 40
equipment:
  - stove
storage-location: fridge
storage-method: airtight-container
fridge-life-days: 4
freezer-life-days: 90
tags:
  - make-ahead
notes:
  - "summary: A double batch of rich, tomato-and-cream butter chicken — built to feed a crowd or stock the freezer."
  - The overnight marinade is worth planning for; it seasons the thighs all the way through.
  - Cools and freezes beautifully in meal-sized portions; thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of cream.
  - "added-by: staples@recipes.guigs.co"
pack: founders-pack
---