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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, marinated chicken thighs in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices and a touch of butter for a luscious finish. Perfectly paired with naan bread and steamed rice, this classic Indian-inspired dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Sauce

  • 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)

Serving

  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Allow this mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes, which helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan for the sauce.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan to deglaze it, adding a splash of water if necessary. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce takes on a smooth, orange hue.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper to the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and spices to taste.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, letting it melt slowly into the sauce to create a silky, rich texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of freshness and color.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot alongside warm naan bread and steamed rice. Relish the comforting, creamy dish that’s both simple and indulgently flavorful.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
  • Greek yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken but can be substituted with plain yogurt if needed.
  • Heavy cream can be replaced with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, although flavor will vary.
  • Letting the chicken marinate longer (up to overnight) intensifies flavor.
  • Garam masala adds depth to the dish; fresh garam masala is best if available.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken Recipe, Homemade Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry

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