Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—butter chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner or looking to impress friends, this recipe pairs perfectly with warm naan and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp butter (plus 2 tbsp cold butter for finishing)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp curry powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Freshly chopped parsley
To Serve:
Warm naan bread
Steamed rice
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
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 fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the remaining oil in the pan.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base
Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits, adding a splash of water if necessary. Add the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce takes on a rich, orange hue.
5. Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cold butter until melted, creating a silky texture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the butter chicken hot with warm naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Swap with chicken breasts, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Greek Yogurt: Use plain yogurt, coconut yogurt (for dairy-free), or sour cream.
Butter: Replace with ghee for a traditional flavor, or use plant-based butter.
Garlic Cloves: Substitute with 1/2 tsp garlic powder per clove.
Tomato Sauce: Use pureed canned tomatoes or fresh tomato puree.
Heavy Cream: Swap with coconut cream, half-and-half, or cashew cream for dairy-free.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Top Tips
Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
Layer Spices: Lightly toast spices in oil before adding liquids to enhance their aroma.
Finish with Butter: Adding cold butter at the end creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, though thighs are juicier and add more flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or full-fat yogurt are great dairy-free alternatives.
Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken is typically mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting cayenne pepper.
How do I reheat butter chicken?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
Enjoy this quick and easy butter chicken recipe—a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Did You Try This Recipe?
Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your variations! Share your creation with us! Tag @favrecipesblog on Instagram and use the hashtag #favrecipes to show off your delicious dish.
