Description
Silky tomato-butter sauce, tender yogurt-marinated chicken, and warm spices make this Quick & Easy Butter Chicken a creamy weeknight favorite. Perfect with basmati rice and naan—mild heat, big comfort.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (bite-size), 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1/2 tsp curry powder, 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt
- Sauce: 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided), 6 garlic cloves minced, 1 medium onion diced, 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional), 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp curry powder
- To Serve: Chopped parsley or cilantro, warm naan, steamed basmati rice
Instructions
- Marinate: Toss chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt; rest 15 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 8–10 minutes until golden. Remove to a plate.
- Aromatics: Add 1 Tbsp butter plus garlic and onion; sauté 3–4 minutes.
- Simmer: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Creamy finish: Return chicken; pour in cream, add cayenne, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer on low 10 minutes until velvety.
- Butter & serve: Off heat, swirl in remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Garnish with herbs; serve with rice and naan.
Notes
Keep heat low after adding cream for a silky sauce. For lighter versions use half-and-half or coconut cream. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken, quick dinner, Indian curry, naan, rice bowl, meal prep