Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with warm spices, this quick & easy butter chicken recipe comes together in under an hour—perfect with fluffy rice and warm naan for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
1 ½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp curry powder
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp curry powder
¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
Naan bread
Steamed rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base:
Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Deglaze the pan, then sauté garlic and onion with a pinch of salt until translucent.
Build the Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add chicken back in and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Season and Simmer:
Add cayenne (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
Finish with Butter:
Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter for a silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve:
Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
Thickening Tip: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1/3 cup water and stir it into the simmering sauce for 5 minutes until thickened.
Spice Level: Add or omit cayenne to control heat.
Make-Ahead: Great for meal prep—flavors deepen overnight!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Indian
