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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for a Cozy Night In

This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe features a creamy sauce that makes for a delightful and customizable meal, perfect for any dinner setting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 470

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Substitution: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts can be used but may result in a drier dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Substitution: Use smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder Adjust the amount based on the desired flavor intensiveness.
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Substitution: Use dairy-free yogurt for a lighter version.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Substitution: Any cooking oil with a high smoke point works; avoid strong flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitution: Use ghee for an authentic taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Keep quantities as specified for best impact.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onion preferred; adjust quantity based on taste.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Substitution: Tomato puree can be used for a smoother texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Reduce if using sweeter tomato products.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: Coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
For Seasoning and Finish
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional for added heat; adjust to taste based on spice preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Garam Masala Essential and not recommended for substitution.
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley Optional but encourages presentation.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking the Chicken
  1. Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder, then scoop in the Greek yogurt. Mix well to ensure each piece is coated, then let this marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Lower the skillet heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and one finely diced onion. Sauté the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance acidity. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Return the sautéed chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they're coated in the tomato base.
  3. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of garam masala to the skillet along with freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in another tablespoon of butter until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Once everything is combined and beautifully simmered, serve your homemade butter chicken hot with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 34gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

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