Print

Butter Chicken Family Favorite: Amazing Flavor

Butter Chicken Family Favorite

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and easy recipe for homemade Butter Chicken, a family favorite featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce prepared with simple aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tsp salt (for chicken)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 0.5 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Fresh Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sweet paprika, and 0.5 tsp curry powder. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1.5 tbsp butter (half of the 3 tbsp butter) over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. While the sauce simmers, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a separate large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and the remaining 1.5 tbsp butter. Let the butter melt and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and flavors meld. Avoid vigorous boiling.
  6. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs as they stay juicier.
  • Adjust red chili powder to your preferred spice level. Kashmiri chili powder offers vibrant color with less heat.
  • Dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), crushed, add an authentic aroma.
  • This dish often tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition