Description
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy infused with garlic, spices, and butter. Perfect for a comforting meal served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Cooking & Gravy
- 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
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches until browned and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Gravy: Pour in the can of tomato sauce. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Combine & Finish: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the gravy. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments such as steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the curry powder quantity to control the spice level.
- Use heavy cream for the best rich, creamy texture; light cream can be substituted but may yield a thinner sauce.
- Butter can be substituted with ghee for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure to cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring a good sear and caramelization.
