Description
A hearty and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken chunks simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 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 (diced)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (again)
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
- Naan bread and steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your butter chicken over warm naan bread or steamed rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, allow to simmer longer. Marinating overnight intensifies flavors. Leftovers can be stored for 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: butter chicken, easy recipe, Indian cuisine, weeknight dinner, comfort food