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Homemade Butter Chicken

A delightful marriage of tender chicken, rich spices, and creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

For Marinating the Chicken

  • 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 Can be substituted with sour cream or coconut milk.

For Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided) Use for cooking and finishing.
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)

For the Sauce

  • 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
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional) For garnish.

To Serve

  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cooking

  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until soft and fragrant.
  • Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until the sauce is rich and creamy. Add the chicken back into the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, ensuring it's heated through.
  • Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter for that silky finish.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with warm naan bread or steamed rice. Dig in!

Notes

Marination is key. Adjust the heat with cayenne pepper. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Don't rush the simmering process.
Keyword Butter Chicken, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, Indian Cuisine, quick dinner