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Homemade butter chicken served in a bowl with naan and garnished with cilantro

Butter Chicken

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, perfect for busy home cooks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances the chicken's flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds delicious depth
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika gives a touch of sweetness
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder complements the spices
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided adds richness
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced for freshness
  • 1 medium onion, diced for a savory base
  • 15 ounces canned tomato sauce for the base of the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar balances acidity
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste always taste as you go
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle kick
  • 2 cups heavy cream creates a luscious sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala introduces warm spices
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder adds extra flavor depth
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish freshens up the dish
To Serve
  • 1 Naan bread perfect for dipping
  • 1 Steamed rice a classic side to soak up the sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
  3. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the chicken to the sauce and stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with naan and rice.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Adjust cream and spices to fit your preference. Taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasonings as needed.