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Quick Butter Chicken

A comforting and creamy butter chicken that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights and full of rich flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Boneless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade)
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Substitute with regular yogurt or buttermilk.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Substitute with canola or light olive oil.
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided Use unsalted if preferred.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce Use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder Used again to deepen the sauce.
For Serving
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional garnish.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until evenly coated and let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the rest.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding). Sear until golden, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Build the Sauce Base
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
  1. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add Cream and Spices
  1. Stir in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper if using. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Sprinkle in garam masala and the additional curry powder.
Simmer to Finish
  1. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6–8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Finish and Serve
  1. Swirl in the remaining tablespoon of butter for shine and richness. Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or cayenne as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with steamed rice and warm naan.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt in the marinade and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.