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Butter Chicken

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A quick and easy recipe for Butter Chicken featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt For marination
Cooking Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking the chicken
  • 3 tablespoons butter Divided for sauce and finishing
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 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
  • 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional, for garnish
  • Naan bread, for serving
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Cooking
  1. Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  2. Season and simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional 0.5 teaspoon of curry powder. Allow everything to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter until melted, creating a silky sauce that clings to the chicken.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve hot with naan and steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 25gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, place cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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