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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

A creamy and mildly spiced butter chicken recipe that’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions are translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and add garam masala and curry powder. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and creamy.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.

Notes

Marinate the chicken longer for better flavor and adjust the spice level to preference.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, easy recipes, chicken recipes