Butter Chicken
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe, rich in creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
For the sauce
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For serving
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Pour in tomato sauce. Add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir in remaining butter until it melts and combines with the dish. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
Make sure to marinate the chicken longer for better flavor. Adjust spice levels as per your preference.