Easy Butter Chicken (or Chickpea Version)

Restaurant-style butter chicken made with Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist seasoning

This easy butter chicken recipe uses Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist, the only seasoning you need for bold, restaurant-quality Indian flavor at home. No chopping garlic, no grating ginger—just one blend to make simpler, healthier butter chicken perfect for weeknights.

Serves: 4; Ready in 30 minutes (+ optional marinating time)

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 lb chicken skinless thighs or thighs, cut into bite size pieces

• 1 tbsp Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp lime juice

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• Pinch of sugar (optional to balance tomato acidity)

• ½ cup cream or coconut milk

Instructions

1. Marinade the chicken: Add the chicken to a mixing bowl and Toss with 1 tbsp Tandoori Twist, olive oil, salt, and lime juice. Marinade for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours.

2. Cook the chicken: broil on high for 5-6 mins. per side or pan sear in hot iron cast or stainless steal pan. Once cooked set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce: melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add tomato paste and Tandoori Twist. Saute for 1 minute, stirring frequently to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor. Add in tomato puree and salt as needed. Cook for 5 mins. Add in chicken and simmer covered for 12-15 mins. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Taste and adjust for salt.

4. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Vegetarian Option: Butter Chickpea Curry

Butter chickpea curry made with Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist seasoning

Substitute 1 can chickpeas (15 oz or 2 cans for heartier version), drained and rinsed for the chicken. Toss chickpeas with 1 tsp SIMPLI SPICED TANDOORI TWIST, olive oil, and lime juice and let sit for 10-15 minutes prior to adding to the sauce. Simmer in sauce for 10 minutes before finishing with the cream.

Cooking Tips

• For deeper flavor, saute the Simpli Spiced Tandoori Twist with the tomato paste for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.

• Use chicken thighs for the most tender butter chicken, though chicken breast can be used.

• Adjust spice level by adding more Tandoori Twist at the end of cooking.

• Coconut milk can be used instead of cream for a dairy-free version.

Simple Pairings

• Serve with rice, naan bread, cauliflower rice, and a cucumber salad.

• A medium-bodied red such as Granache or Zinfadel. For white wine, try an off-dry Riesling, which balances the richness of the spice.