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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

A lighter version of the classic butter chicken, this recipe features tender chicken in a creamy sauce, perfect for quick meal prep and adaptable to various dietary needs.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder first addition
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
For the Sauce
  • 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 second addition
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
For Serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and almost cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (approximately 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Add sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and the additional curry powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce. Stir until melted and well combined.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor.