Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the taste of India right to your kitchen. Made with aromatic spices, marinated chicken, and a silky butter sauce, it’s perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan with a splash of water if necessary. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
- Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce, giving it a silky smooth finish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of homemade butter chicken!
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Indian Recipes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
