Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food — Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is rich, velvety, and surprisingly simple to make.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Marinate Time: 25

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 ½ lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp curry powder
1 tbsp Greek yogurt

For the Sauce

3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp curry powder
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

To Serve

Steamed rice
Naan bread

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping the oil in the pan.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter. Deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt; sauté until fragrant and translucent.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.

5. Season & Simmer

Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and any remaining salt. Let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Finish with Butter

Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter for a silky, restaurant-style finish. Garnish with chopped parsley.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with steamed rice and naan bread. Creamy, cozy perfection every time.

Notes & Tips

Thicker sauce? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with ⅓ cup water and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
Marinate longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor.
Toast your spices in oil before adding liquids for enhanced aroma.
Butter at the end gives that silky, authentic finish.

Storage

Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream if thickened.

Nutrition

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