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Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic tomato sauce with warm Indian spices. Ready in 45 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Indian-Inspired
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt for marinade
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 15 ounce tomato sauce 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder for sauce
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Separate pan for chicken
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  3. Pour in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce bubble softly for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the sauce simmers, heat a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Transfer the cooked chicken into the simmering sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir gently to combine. Let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with warm naan bread and steamed basmati rice.

Notes

Marinating for at least 30 minutes creates more flavorful results. For thicker sauce, simmer longer. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of cream if sauce has thickened.