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Butter Chicken

A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, all made in one pan for fast cleanup and delicious flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For Cooking
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided) Use 1 tablespoon for sauce base, remaining for finishing
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder optional, for flavor
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
  • to taste Naan bread For dipping
  • to taste Steamed rice To soak up the sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder with the chicken. Stir in the Greek yogurt, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until well combined. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the remaining butter for a creamy finish.
Serving
  1. Serve your butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding water if it thickens too much.