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Quick Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Butter Chicken simmers with rich, creamy tomato goodness that brings comfort straight to your dinner table. Packed with tender chicken and aromatic spices, this classic Indian dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce and Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt with your chicken chunks in a mixing bowl. Coat the meat thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to develop rich flavor.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Sauté 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion until they become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce into the skillet. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 cups heavy cream, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and ½ teaspoon curry powder. Stir ingredients until thoroughly combined.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and slightly thicken.
  5. In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat at 375°F. Cook your marinated chicken chunks until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  6. Transfer the browned chicken directly into the simmering sauce. Gently stir to coat each piece and continue simmering for another 10 minutes to enhance the flavor absorption.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve piping hot alongside warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt to create a richer, creamier marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more moisture and robust taste compared to chicken breasts.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg