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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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

4.8 from 13 reviews

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender marinated chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce infused with traditional spices like garam masala and curry powder. Served with naan bread and steamed rice, this comforting meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Indian flavors made effortlessly 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 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 chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable 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 by scraping any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue and becomes creamy.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky smooth finish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot with warm naan bread and steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies while cooking.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; chicken breast can be substituted but may be less tender.
  • Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess; full-fat yogurt works best.
  • Butter and heavy cream give the sauce its signature richness; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, adjusting spices accordingly.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to reach desired consistency.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Serve with basmati rice or your favorite flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Quick Butter Chicken Recipe, Easy Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Homemade Butter Chicken

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/quick-and-easy-homemade-butter-chicken-recipe-2/