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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour. Tender chunks of marinated chicken thighs are simmered in a richly spiced, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for scooping up with warm naan or serving over fluffy steamed rice. With straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this classic Indian-inspired dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike.

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, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

To Serve

  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 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.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and add a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, mixing well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes before returning the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, and let the sauce turn a beautiful orange color as it becomes creamy.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add the cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, then adjust salt and spices to taste.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Allow it to melt into the sauce for a luxurious, silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but thighs will yield juicier results.
  • To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced green chili.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, easy butter chicken, homemade Indian chicken, creamy chicken curry, stovetop chicken recipe

Find it online: https://topreci.com/quick-easy-homemade-butter-chicken-recipe/