Easy Butter Chicken

Short, Catchy Intro:

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This butter chicken is your new best friend when you want something rich, cozy, and totally forgiving.

If you dig saucy dinners that make people swoon, you might also like my take on butter chicken linguine for when carbs need to hold hands with curry. Ready to get messy with a spoon and impress someone or at least yourself

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe hits three big wins: it is fast, it tastes restaurant fancy, and it is almost impossible to mess up. Seriously it is idiot proof and even I did not ruin it the first time.

You can tweak heat, creaminess, or tang on the fly. Want more heat add cayenne. Want it milder skip cayenne. Want it tangy add a splash of lemon at the end. Also this recipe plays well with leftovers which means tomorrow you win again.

Oh and if you love the idea of butter and pasta teaming up with curry try the similar twist I like to cook sometimes for a saucy pasta version. It is comfort on a plate without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley optional for garnish
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Yes that is a lot of butter and yes that is the point. Butter makes the sauce glossy and addictive. Do not be ashamed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with salt garlic powder sweet paprika curry powder and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step loosens up the flavors and helps the chicken brown better.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet heat vegetable oil and sear the chicken until golden about 4-6 minutes. Remove and set aside. You do not need to cook it through fully here just get a good sear.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet sauté garlic and onion until soft about 4 minutes. Keep stirring so nothing burns. Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the chicken.

4. Build the Sauce: Add tomato sauce sugar salt and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes then stir in heavy cream and cayenne pepper. Taste the sauce here and adjust sugar or salt if it feels off.

5. Season and Simmer: Return chicken to the sauce add garam masala and curry powder. Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Let the sauce thicken slightly and get cozy with the chicken.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in remaining butter until melted and glossy. Add parsley if desired. This is where it goes from good to very good.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve over rice or with naan bread garnished with extra parsley and yogurt if using. Dive in immediately while it is hot and saucy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the sear and adding raw chicken straight to the sauce. You lose all the caramelized flavor and that is where half the fun lives.
• Overcooking the chicken until it becomes rubbery. Brown it then finish in the sauce on low. Check at around 8 minutes.
• Not tasting and adjusting salt and sugar. Tomatoes vary wildly so taste the sauce before you assume it is fine.
• Dropping in cold cream straight from the fridge and chilling your sauce. Let cream sit out for a couple minutes while you stir other things.
• Trying to rush the sauce on full blast. Simmer slow and low for better flavor integration.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No heavy cream What about coconut milk instead It thins the sauce a bit and adds a subtle tropical vibe. I like it when I want dairy free options.
• No chicken thighs Use chicken breasts but brown briefly and watch the cook time closely. Breasts dry out faster so do not overdo it.
• Short on garam masala Use a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of ground coriander as a quick trick I use when the jar is missing. Not perfect but tasty.
• Greek yogurt swap with sour cream in the marinade if you are out. You will still get that tang and tenderizing effect.
• Want it smoky add a teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. The flavor gets interesting fast.

Also here is a fun idea if you want a pasta hybrid I have a riff you can try for a quicker weeknight pasta meal that keeps things simple and saucy. Try it when you feel adventurous.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Why thighs and not breasts Do I have to use thighs
A Thighs stay juicy and handle the simmer better. You can use breasts but watch cooking time and avoid drying them out.

Q Can I make this ahead of time
A Yes make it a day ahead. Flavors actually marry overnight and the sauce tastes even better reheated gently.

Q Can I use margarine instead of butter
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Butter gives the right shine and flavor so just use butter.

Q How spicy will this be Should I add cayenne
A It comes mildly spiced by default Add cayenne if you want a real kick Start with a little and add more at the table if needed.

Q Can I freeze leftovers
A Absolutely freeze in portioned containers. Thaw in the fridge then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to refresh the texture.

Q Is this authentic Indian cuisine
A This is a home cook friendly take inspired by classic flavors It is not a strict traditional dish and that is okay It is delicious

Q Can I swap heavy cream for milk
A You can but the sauce will be thinner and less rich If you must use milk add a spoon of butter to help with richness

Final Thoughts

You made it to the end congrats You just armed yourself with a butter chicken recipe that is fast forgiving and crowd pleasing. Do not overthink it Follow the steps taste as you go and adjust like a chef with zero arrogance.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it and you will want seconds

Conclusion

If you want a quick reference for a slightly different but very tasty quick butter chicken recipe check out this version for extra tips and timing from a trusted source Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken from Gimme Delicious. Enjoy and don’t forget the naan

Easy Butter Chicken

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and forgiving butter chicken recipe that’s fast to make and tastes restaurant fancy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sear the chicken until golden, about 4-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet, sauté garlic and onion until soft, about 4 minutes.
4. Build the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes then stir in heavy cream and cayenne pepper.
5. Season and Simmer: Return chicken to the sauce, add garam masala and curry powder. Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter: Stir in remaining butter until melted and glossy. Add parsley if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve over rice or with naan bread garnished with extra parsley and yogurt if using.

Notes

Avoid skipping the sear for better flavor and cook chicken on low to prevent rubberiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, quick dinner, comforting recipe