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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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

5 from 18 reviews

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe balances traditional Indian flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a restaurant-quality dish 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 large bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 ½ tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce and Spices: Pour in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Butter: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and remaining 1 ½ tablespoons butter. Cook gently for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces thoroughly with the sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the butter chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper or add red chili powder according to your taste.
  • Chicken breasts can be used as an alternative to thighs, but they may cook faster and be less juicy.
  • Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds tanginess; do not omit it from the marinade.
  • Use heavy cream for richness; substitutions like coconut milk will alter the flavor profile considerably.
  • Butter chicken sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for 2 days, reheat gently before serving.
  • For a gluten-free meal, ensure your naan bread is gluten-free or serve with rice only.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian chicken recipe, creamy chicken curry, easy Indian dinner, homemade butter chicken

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