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Butter chicken with creamy tomato sauce served with basmati rice and naan bread on a white plate

Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Rich & Easy Homemade Dinner


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

Description

Butter chicken is a creamy and comforting dinner made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato butter sauce with warm spices. This easy homemade recipe delivers a velvety texture and mild heat, perfect with steamed rice or warm naan.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs cut into bite size pieces

1 teaspoon salt for marinade

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 can tomato sauce 15 ounces

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt for sauce adjust to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups heavy cream

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

1 teaspoon garam masala

½ teaspoon curry powder

¼ cup freshly chopped parsley optional garnish

Naan bread for serving

Steamed rice for serving


Instructions

1. Combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until fully coated and let marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken but keep the oil in the pan.

3. Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter. Scrape the pan to release browned bits and add a splash of water if needed.

4. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

5. Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and orange in color.

7. Season with cayenne pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavors combine.

8. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted to create a rich silky sauce.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices helps tenderize the meat and improves flavor even with a short marinade time.

Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted depending on preferred heat level.

The final addition of cold butter creates a smoother and richer sauce texture.

Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but remains optional.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving