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Butter Chicken

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is the ultimate cozy dinner you can make right at home. Tender chicken is marinated in yogurt and warm spices, then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s perfectly balanced and full of flavor. Inspired by classic Indian butter chicken, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing that bold, restaurant-style taste. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and great for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan for a comforting meal everyone will happily gather around.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic finely minced
  • Yellow onion finely chopped
  • Tomato sauce or smooth tomato purée
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Spices & Seasonings:
  • Garlic powder sweet paprika, curry powder, cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, salt, and black pepper
  • For Serving:
  • Warm naan bread and steamed rice

Method
 

1. Flavor the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to a bowl along with Greek yogurt, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder. Toss until every piece is fully coated. Set aside and let the flavors soak in for about 15 minutes while you prep everything else.

    2. Brown the Chicken

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping the remaining oil in the skillet.

      3. Start the Sauce

      Lower the heat to medium and add a small amount of butter to the same pan. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom (a splash of water helps). Add the garlic and onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until soft and fragrant.

        4. Create the Creamy Base

        Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Let the mixture gently bubble for a few minutes, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well and slowly add the heavy cream until the sauce turns a rich, creamy orange.

          5. Season & Simmer

          Season with garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you like heat. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors fully develop.

            6. Finish with Butter

            Stir in the remaining cold butter until melted and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

              7. Serve

              Spoon the butter chicken over warm rice and serve with soft naan on the side. Dig in while it’s hot and creamy.

                Notes

                Substitutions & Variations

                • Chicken: Swap thighs for chicken breast, turkey, or tofu
                • Yogurt: Use plain yogurt, coconut yogurt, or sour cream
                • Butter: Replace with ghee, olive oil, or plant-based butter
                • Garlic: Use jarred garlic or garlic powder (½ tsp per clove)
                • Onion: Try shallots, leeks, or onion powder
                • Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste + water
                • Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute work well
                • Cream: Coconut cream, half-and-half, or cashew cream

                Storage Tips

                Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

                Final Thoughts

                This homemade butter chicken proves that bold flavor doesn’t require complicated steps or expensive ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting, and flexible enough for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers rich flavor, minimal effort, and guaranteed clean plates. Once you make it at home, takeout might never hit the same again. 🍛✨