Quick Easy Butter Chicken (Print Version)

A creamy, spiced chicken dish notable for its velvety sauce and fragrant spices, served with naan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs

→ Marinade

02 - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon curry powder

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1 medium onion, diced
10 - 1 cup tomato sauce
11 - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
12 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
15 - 1 teaspoon curry powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
18 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

→ To Serve

19 - Warm naan bread
20 - Steamed white rice

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, preserving the oil in the pan.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and scrape any browned bits to deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and aromatic.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce achieves a creamy, orange hue.
05 - Add cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Incorporate the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter into the sauce, stirring until melted for a silky texture. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
07 - Plate the butter chicken alongside warm naan bread and steamed rice. Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Marinate the chicken longer, up to 4 hours, for enhanced flavor intensity.
02 - Lightly toast spices in oil before adding liquids to deepen aroma and complexity.
03 - Stir cold butter at the end to achieve a rich, velvety finish.

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