Description
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe with marinated chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-butter sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite‑sized chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp curry powder
- 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 Tbsp butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (15‑ounce) 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)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (optional)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add 1 Tbsp butter, then garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then return chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until sauce deepens to a rich orange color.
- Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining 2 Tbsp butter for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with naan and steamed rice.
Notes
- Use chicken breast or tofu for variations.
- Swap Greek yogurt for plain or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Use ghee or plant-based butter as needed.
- Add fresh ginger or swap onion for shallots for a different aroma.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Adjust cayenne for heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
