Description
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe featuring marinated chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect with naan or steamed rice, this comforting dish delivers rich, restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided use)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Naan bread (to serve)
- Steamed rice (to serve)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt until well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable 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 from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer briefly, then return chicken to the pan. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns orange and creamy.
- Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining cold butter to finish the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a silky texture. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinate longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs with breast, turkey, or tofu for variations.
- For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and cream, and plant-based butter.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred spice level.
- Freeze leftovers up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of cream or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
