Creamy Weeknight Butter Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

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Created on August 23rd, 2025 at 07:01 pm

Comforting, quick, and full of flavor!

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This rich, creamy, and spiced dish tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant, but it’s made right in your own kitchen in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this easy butter chicken delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. Serve it with soft naan and fluffy rice, and you’ve got a dreamy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress even the picky eaters. Bonus? It’s freezer-friendly, meal-prep approved, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but cozy! ❤️

Butter chicken and rice served with naan, creamy orange sauce close-up

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

📝 Ingredients List

For the Chicken & Marinade

1 ½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp curry powder
1 tbsp Greek yogurt

For the Sauce

3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp curry powder
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

To Serve

Warm naan bread
Steamed rice

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Large skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Stir until well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes. 🕒
Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken; keep the oil in the pan.
Sauté Onion & Garlic
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter to the pan. Scrape up browned bits, then add garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. 🧄🧅
Add Tomato & Sugar
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour in Cream & Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and orange-hued. Add garam masala, cayenne (if using), curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter & Garnish
Stir in remaining 2 tbsp cold butter until melted and silky. Sprinkle with parsley if desired. 🧈🌿
Serve & Enjoy
Spoon over fluffy rice, add naan on the side, and serve hot! 🥰

💡 Pro Tips

Marinate longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper, more developed flavor.
Swap the protein: Try tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version!
Leftovers reheat like a dream—just add a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
Serve with a twist: Add steamed veggies or pickled onions for extra color and crunch.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.