Go Back
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Enjoy a delicious homemade butter chicken with this quick and easy recipe. Perfectly spiced and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with naan bread and steamed rice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 635

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 680 g skinless boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 0.5 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
Cooking
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 425 ml tomato sauce from a 15-ounce can
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 480 ml heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 0.5 tsp curry powder
  • 60 g freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
  • 2 pieces Naan bread for serving
  • 2 cups Steamed rice for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.
  5. Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add in the rest of the spices & salt to taste!
  6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
  7. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with naan bread and basmati rice.