Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—this creamy and spiced Butter Chicken is a rich, velvety dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Pair it with naan bread and fluffy rice for the ultimate meal!
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American, Indian
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
Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the sauce and other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Prepare the Sauce Base:
Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed.
Add minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt.
Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Build the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix well.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.
Season and Simmer:
Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Finish with Butter:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
This Butter Chicken is creamy, spiced, and perfect for a cozy meal at home. Enjoy the restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen!
Notes
Customization: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, naan, or any flatbread of choice.