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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken


Description

This butter chicken features a warm, velvety tomato-cream sauce with tender chicken pieces, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
  • 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, for serving
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until fragrant and translucent for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, adjusted salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat another pan over medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken in batches until browned and cooked through. Add to the simmering sauce.
  5. Stir in the remaining butter and allow to simmer for 3–5 minutes to combine flavors and thicken the sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan and rice.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of evaporated milk and yogurt. Use chicken breast for leaner meat; redcue cooking time.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 64g
  • Saturated Fat: 33g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg
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