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–+ servings

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

A creamy, spiced dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized chunks.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika For color and mild sweetness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder A hint of spice to enhance the flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess.
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying the chicken and aromatics.
  • 3 tablespoons butter Divided for richness in the sauce.
  • 6 cloves garlic Minced, fresh garlic infuses great flavor.
  • 1 medium onion Diced, base flavor for the sauce.
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce The main component of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity from the tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds warmth to the dish.
  • 2 cups heavy cream Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala A fragrant spice blend that elevates the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder Reinforces flavors in the sauce.
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
  • as needed Naan bread Perfect accompaniment for scooping up sauce.
  • as needed Steamed rice To serve alongside and soak up all that deliciousness.

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until all pieces are evenly coated in spices and yogurt to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and let it warm up before adding minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Once your aromatics are ready, add marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding them. Cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder into the skillet with browned chicken pieces. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Allow your butter chicken mixture to simmer gently on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it thickens slightly and all flavors meld together beautifully.
  6. Once ready, garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve it hot with warm naan bread alongside steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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