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Homemade Butter Chicken

Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken for Cozy Family Dinners

Experience the rich flavors of Homemade Butter Chicken in this comforting, creamy dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt kosher or sea salt recommended
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder adjust based on preference
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil canola or avocado oil preferred
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine/coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion yellow or white preferable
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or omit/honey for natural alternative
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper omit for milder flavor
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala or cumin and coriander mix
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
For Garnish and Sides
  • optional fresh parsley or cilantro
  • to serve naan bread
  • to serve steamed rice

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
  3. Lower heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes then return chicken to the skillet and add heavy cream, stirring until combined.
  5. Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Add remaining butter and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with parsley before serving.
  7. Serve the creamy Butter Chicken with naan bread or steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken longer and use high-quality ingredients.

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