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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: Creamy, Flavorful, and Comforting

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Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cozying up for a family dinner or impressing friends, it’s the perfect recipe to serve with warm naan and fluffy rice!

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people

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 and let marinate at least 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving oil in the pan.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter, scrape browned bits, add garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onion is translucent.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer 2-3 minutes, add chicken back, then pour in heavy cream. Stir until sauce is orange and smooth.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low 10 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter until melted and silky. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

  • This recipe blends American and Indian flavors for a comforting meal.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat.
  • Use full-fat cream for best richness.
  • Marinating the chicken is key for tenderness.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Indian