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Delicious butter chicken served with naan and rice in a vibrant bowl.

Butter Chicken

A creamy, tomato-forward take on the classic Indian favorite that's easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder, additional for the sauce
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish
For Serving
  • Naan bread for serving
  • Steamed rice for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until evenly coated and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer seared chicken to a plate.
Building the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in sugar, remaining salt, black pepper, and extra curry powder. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Return the browned chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
  2. Add cayenne pepper if desired, then sprinkle garam masala over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve immediately with warm naan and steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 40gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before marinating to encourage better browning. Serve over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up the sauce. For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.

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