Go Back
Butter chicken recipe with tender chicken in a smooth tomato cream sauce topped with cilantro

Butter Chicken Recipe with Smooth Tomato Cream Sauce

This butter chicken recipe features tender chicken in a smooth tomato cream sauce with warm spices and rich, comforting flavor. It is an easy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
Serving
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Warm the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then cook until softened and fragrant.
  2. Stir the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder into the skillet. Simmer the sauce gently for several minutes.
  3. Cook the marinated chicken in a separate pan until browned and cooked through, reaching 165°F / 74°C internally.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken into the creamy tomato sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and continue simmering for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving
  1. Serve the butter chicken hot with steamed rice and naan bread, then finish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to help maintain a smooth texture.