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+ servings

Butter Chicken

550kcal
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
This quick and easy butter chicken recipe features succulent chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for family nights or festive gatherings.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian

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 Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute.
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 Can substitute with coconut milk for a lighter version.
  • 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)
To Serve
  • 1 serving Naan bread
  • 1 serving Steamed rice

Method

Marinating the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Sauce
  1. Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper. Add the garam masala and curry powder, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken until it's browned and cooked through. Make sure to turn the pieces to cook them evenly.
  2. Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce and stir in the remaining butter. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
Serving
  1. Garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with warm naan bread and steamed rice for a truly unforgettable meal.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories550kcalCarbohydrates20gProtein25gFat40gSaturated Fat24gSodium900mgFiber1gSugar6g

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: If you don't have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt works too. For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Optional Variations: Add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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