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Homemade Butter Chicken

A creamy, delicious one-pan butter chicken that's quick and easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks You can also use chicken breasts if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt For marinating the chicken.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking the chicken.
  • 3 tablespoons butter Divided between cooking and finishing.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced Adds sweetness to the sauce.
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity of tomato sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream For the creamy texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for added heat.
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional for garnish.
For Serving
  • N/A Naan bread For dipping.
  • N/A Steamed rice To serve with the dish.

Method
 

Marinade the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
  1. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
  1. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until translucent.
Build the Sauce
  1. Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Season and Simmer
  1. Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Return the chicken to the pan. Adjust seasoning and simmer for 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter
  1. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and combined.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider using tailored marinades or increasing the heavy cream for a richer taste. You can adjust the spiciness with the cayenne pepper, and batch cooking is a great way to save time for future meals.