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+ servings

Butter Chicken

A creamy, quick, and satisfying butter chicken dish that is perfect for busy weeknights and special enough for guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the marinated chicken
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Thighs are recommended for juiciness
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade)
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Can be swapped for plain yogurt
For cooking
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce Tomato paste + water can replace if thicker sauce is preferred
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Adjust for taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream Can use coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For added heat
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For serving
  • Naan bread, steamed rice Essential for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix until every piece is coated. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (up to 8 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Cooking
  1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
  2. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and leave the oil in the pan.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and use it to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and add 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce brightens and the sugar balances acidity. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  5. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a creamy, orange color. Bring to a gentle simmer—do not boil aggressively.
  6. Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, the remaining ½ teaspoon curry powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes so the spices meld. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until the sauce is glossy and emulsified. Finish with chopped parsley if you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 30gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 30gSodium: 900mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g

Notes

Serve this butter chicken over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice and warm naan. For a restaurant-style plate, spoon sauce over rice, top with chicken, sprinkle with parsley, and add a wedge of lemon.

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