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.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:20 Minutes
Cook Time:50 Minutes
Total Time:70 Minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Indian
Diet:Vegetarian
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Serving Size:1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories:Approx. 600-700 (estimate, actual may vary)