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Homemade butter chicken with tender chicken thighs in creamy tomato sauce

Butter Chicken (Easy Homemade Version)

Butter Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish with tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy homemade version is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt to taste
Chicken and Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cayenne pepper for garnish, optional
  • Lime wedges for garnish, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and salt in a bowl, then marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the marinated chicken until browned and fully cooked, and confirm the chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C internally before removing it from the skillet.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet, then cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add tomato sauce, sugar, sweet paprika, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Stir heavy cream and garam masala into the sauce until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
  6. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into the sauce before serving for a smooth finish.
Serving
  1. Top with fresh cilantro and serve hot with optional cayenne pepper or lime wedges.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate after adding the cream to help preserve a smooth sauce texture.