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Butter Chicken Recipe: Easy Dinner for Busy Weeknights

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken delivers the rich, creamy flavor of your favorite Indian restaurant dish in under 45 minutes! Tender marinated chicken is simmered in a buttery tomato cream sauce, perfectly spiced with garam masala, paprika, and curry powder for a comforting, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Indian
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds Skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 teaspoons (divided) Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (divided) Curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons Butter, divided
  • 6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 whole Medium onion, diced
  • 15 oz can Tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 cups Heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Naan bread, for serving
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
    In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
    Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
    Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Build the Sauce
    Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, simmering for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
  5. Step 5: Season and Simmer
    Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, remaining curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Finish with Butter
    Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
  7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
    Serve hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest sauce, and balance spice with a pinch of sugar or extra cream as desired.