Description
Butter Chicken is a creamy, spiced Indian-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a rich, velvety tomato and cream sauce. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy to make in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (for marinade)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (for sauce)
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Naan bread, for serving
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter with vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté onion until soft and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Simmer for another 10 minutes until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan and steamed rice.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-light version.
- Add chili flakes or extra cayenne for more heat.
- A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.
- This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg