Go Back
+ servings
Bowl of homemade butter chicken with rice and garnish.

Butter Chicken

This Homemade Butter Chicken recipe features tender thighs in a creamy tomato sauce, delivering rich restaurant-style flavor in no time.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Thighs stay juicier than breasts.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For the marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Helps tenderize.
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 Adjust to taste.
  • 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
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
  • Naan bread, for serving
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Method
 

Marinate the chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix so each piece is coated. Let sit at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
Cook the chicken
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Brown the pieces, stirring occasionally, until cooked through (about 6–8 minutes depending on size). Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the sauce base
  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent and soft (about 4–5 minutes).
Build the sauce
  1. Pour the tomato sauce into the pan. Stir in the sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld for 2–3 minutes.
Season and simmer
  1. Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream, garam masala, and the remaining ½ teaspoon curry powder. Stir until smooth. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finish with butter
  1. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat every piece in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with warm naan or steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but reduce cook time and be careful not to overcook. Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Greek yogurt can be replaced with plain yogurt if needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!