Description
Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken is a globally loved Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses pantry staples like Greek yogurt and heavy cream for a comforting, restaurant-quality taste at home.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or purée
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder. Add Greek yogurt and stir until evenly coated. Marinate for 10–30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches, searing for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Pour in tomato sauce. Add sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Add garam masala, curry powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until smooth.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat.
- Turn off heat and let the sauce sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for tenderness.
- Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes.
- Stir garlic and onions frequently to prevent burning.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after adding cream.
- Add cayenne pepper gradually for desired heat.
- Use tomato purée or sauce for a smoother texture.
- Plain yogurt can substitute Greek yogurt.
- Ghee or clarified butter can be used instead of butter.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 500-600 kcal (estimate)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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