Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 680 grams skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 - 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
06 - 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

→ Butter Chicken Sauce

07 - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
09 - 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
10 - 1 medium onion, diced
11 - 425 grams tomato sauce
12 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
14 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 480 millilitres heavy cream
16 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
17 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
18 - 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
19 - 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

→ To Serve

20 - Naan bread
21 - Steamed rice

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium mixing bowl. Toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing additional components.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate, reserving oil in the pan.
03 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Deglaze pan by scraping browned bits; add a splash of water if necessary. Stir in minced garlic, diced onion, and a small pinch of salt. Sauté until onion softens and becomes fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then return chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and orange.
05 - Add cayenne pepper if preferred, along with garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Adjust salt as needed. Simmer mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
06 - Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter until melted, enriching the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
07 - Present hot butter chicken accompanied by naan bread and steamed rice.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for up to several hours if time permits.
02 - Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred spice level.
03 - Heavy cream ensures a creamy, velvety sauce; do not substitute with milk for best results.

Go Back