Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Indian
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder
For Garnishing
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
To Serve
Naan bread
Steamed rice
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer 2-3 minutes, then return chicken to skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir until sauce turns orange.
5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter: Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Sprinkle parsley if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too runny, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ⅓ cup water and stir it in. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650