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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe


  • Author: By Cora
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken, Indian comfort food, homemade butter chicken