Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade); 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (diced); 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce); 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

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There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of Easy Butter Chicken wafting through your kitchen. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in spices and enveloped in a creamy, rich tomato sauce that coats each bite with luxurious flavor. As it simmers, the spices hang in the air, teasing your taste buds and leaving you eager for the first spoonful. The beautiful orange hue of the dish makes it visually irresistible, inviting you to gather around the table with loved ones and indulge in this delightful meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Butter Chicken

This recipe takes me back to a cozy dinner at my friend’s house, where the kitchen was fragrant with spices, laughter filled the air, and we all eagerly awaited the feast. Whether it’s a weekday night or a special gathering, this Easy Butter Chicken is perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that not only warms your belly but also your heart. I invite you to create this comforting recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices and cream creates a taste sensation that’s bold yet comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: That rich orange sauce looks so good, you’ll want to show it off!
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners or meal prep, pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping the naan for gluten-free bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these chicken thighs are perfect for soaking in all those delicious flavors. Alternatives include chicken breast, but thighs offer a richer taste.
1 teaspoon salt (for marinade): This brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and helps tenderize it.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness to balance out the spices.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade): Provides that classic Indian flavor as a base for this recipe’s flavor profile.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the marinade.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for browning the chicken to perfection, creating a lovely crust.
3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds an unparalleled richness to the sauce; the cold butter also helps to emulsify it.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the flavor, imparting warmth and depth to the sauce.
1 medium onion (diced): Sweet onions sautéed until translucent add a wonderful base flavor.
15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can): The main ingredient creating a luscious sauce; opt for crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
1 teaspoon sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes brilliantly.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhance flavors; always taste before adding more!
0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat; you can adjust according to your taste preference.
2 cups heavy cream: The star of the sauce, creating that creamy luscious quality that makes this dish indulgent.
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Add if you love a bit of spice; feel free to adjust to your heat level.
1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend unique to Indian cuisine, bringing warmth and complexity.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce): Deepens the curry flavor in the sauce.
0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish): Brightens up the dish with freshness; other herbs like cilantro work wonders, too.
Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up that delicious sauce.
Steamed rice: Completes the meal, soaking up all that amazing sauce.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, 0.5 teaspoon curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Mix well so every piece is coated, then let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but also makes the meat tender and juicy.

Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it golden brown and completely cooked through, then set the chicken aside, keeping that flavorful oil in the pan.

Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and toss in 1 tablespoon of butter. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet — those enhance your sauce’s flavor. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice how quickly your kitchen fills with enticing aromas!

Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the can of tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This is where the magic begins; the onions and garlic transform the sauce into something special. Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing it well with the sauce.

Create the Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce takes on a beautiful orange color. This step is essential for achieving that rich, creamy texture everyone loves. If you prefer a little heat, now’s the time to add cayenne pepper, along with garam masala, 0.5 teaspoon curry powder, and black pepper.

Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This melds the flavors wonderfully, so keep your senses tuned in for that incredible scent wafting through your kitchen. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Finish with Butter: Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. This creates a silky finish to your sauce, making each bite incredibly luscious. If you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch right before serving.

Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your **Easy Butter Chicken** hot with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. Dig in and savor each delicious bite; it’s comfort food at its finest.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, place the Easy Butter Chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re thinking longer-term, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers and let it cool completely before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. The creamy texture might change slightly, but a splash of cream or water can help bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be golden brown but still juicy.
Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Want extra richness? Add a bit more butter at the end for that luxurious touch.
Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste; not everyone loves the same heat level!
This dish can be made ahead, making it a stellar option for meal prep or gatherings.

There’s no doubt that this Easy Butter Chicken will quickly become a household favorite, bursting with flavor and comfort. The beauty of this recipe is that it invites you to experiment a little. Maybe try different proteins or adjust the spices to match your family’s preferences. As you enjoy each buttery, spiced bite, let your taste buds rejoice. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast is a fine substitute for chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them. A marinade helps keep the chicken moist, so don’t skip that step!

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much cayenne pepper you decide to add. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne or reduce the amount. The other spices offer flavor without overwhelming heat.

What can I serve with Easy Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with naan or steamed rice. You could also serve it with a side of vegetables or a simple salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or chickpeas, and keep everything else the same. It’ll still be creamy and delicious, capturing all those lovely flavors.

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Easy Butter Chicken

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian

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Description

This Easy Butter Chicken is comforting and delicious, featuring juicy chicken thighs in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for dinners, it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium onion (diced)
15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon garam masala
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce)
0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Naan bread
Steamed rice

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the marinated chicken in heated vegetable oil until golden brown, then set aside.
Sauté garlic and onion in butter, scraping the skillet for flavor.
Add tomato sauce and sugar, simmer for 3 minutes, then mix in the chicken.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring to achieve a rich orange color, adding spices to taste.
Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to meld flavors, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Finish with butter for a silky texture and serve hot.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if desired, but be cautious of overcooking.
For a thicker sauce, add chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.