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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A creamy, spiced one-skillet butter chicken made with juicy marinated chicken thighs cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce. Ready in 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Indian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp curry powder for marinade
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided, keep 2 tbsp cold for finishing
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1.5 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 0.5 tsp curry powder second addition for sauce
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and scrape up any browned bits. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
  5. Add cayenne pepper if using, garam masala, second addition of curry powder, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until melted and the sauce is silky. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice with naan.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.