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+ servings

Homemade Butter Chicken

A deeply flavorful and comforting Indian dish featuring marinated chicken thighs, slow-simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with traditional Indian spices like garam masala and curry powder.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course DINNER
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken & Marinade:
  • Skinless boneless chicken thighs: 1 1/2 pounds cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Curry powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Greek yogurt: 1 tablespoon
  • For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
  • Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons divided
  • Garlic: 6 cloves minced
  • Medium onion: 1 diced
  • Tomato sauce: 1 15-ounce can
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Heavy cream: 2 cups
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon optional, for heat
  • Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
  • Curry powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Freshly chopped parsley: 1/4 cup optional, for garnish
  • To Serve:
  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Prepare Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream.
  • Season and Simmer: Add the cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the rest of the salt to taste.
  • Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

For the deepest flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
The heavy cream is crucial for achieving the characteristic velvety texture of butter chicken.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for future meals.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!