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Butter Chicken

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A comforting Indian dish featuring tender chicken marinated and cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.

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

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for better flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and the second dose of curry powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all those fantastic flavors.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter and let it melt into the sauce—this adds a delightful richness.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the butter chicken with warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

For a leaner option, swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use coconut milk for a dairy-free variant. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/butter-chicken-delight/