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Creamy butter chicken recipe served in skillet with rice and naan bread

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy, spiced butter chicken with tender chicken thighs in a rich tomato cream sauce. Perfect comfort food ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American Fusion, Indian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt for marinade
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
  • 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 for sauce
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish
  • naan bread for serving
  • steamed rice for serving

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until chicken is evenly coated and let marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding a splash of water if needed. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, and saute until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in heavy cream and stir until sauce turns a beautiful orange color.
  5. Add cayenne pepper if using, garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
  7. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

If sauce becomes too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/3 cup water and stir into simmering sauce. Let cook for 5 minutes to thicken. For maximum flavor, marinate chicken up to 4 hours. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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