Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices for a cozy dinner option.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 680 grams skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon curry powder
06 - 15 grams Greek yogurt

→ Cooking Fats

07 - 45 milliliters vegetable oil
08 - 45 grams unsalted butter, divided

→ Aromatics and Base

09 - 6 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 medium onion, diced
11 - 425 grams canned tomato sauce
12 - 1 teaspoon sugar
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Creamy Sauce

14 - 480 milliliters heavy cream

→ Spices and Garnish

15 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
17 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Suggested Sides

18 - Naan bread
19 - Steamed basmati rice

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly, then let marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavors.
02 - Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving the cooking oils in the pan.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
04 - Pour in the tomato sauce and add the sugar. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to mellow acidity. Return the chicken to the pan and combine evenly.
05 - Slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. Add cayenne pepper if desired, then season with garam masala and black pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Stir in the remaining 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of cold butter until melted, creating a velvety texture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using before serving.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Marinating for at least 15 minutes tenderizes the chicken and improves flavor absorption.
02 - Butter chicken can be reheated gently on the stovetop to preserve sauce creaminess.
03 - Substituting heavy cream and butter with coconut alternatives creates a dairy-free version.