Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- 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
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
