Butter Chicken
Make restaurant-style butter chicken at home with this easy recipe using marinated chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, and store-bought sauce. Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes
- Kosher salt and black pepper to season
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger or freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – this tenderizes the chicken and gives it that classic tangy flavor
- ½ lemon juiced – for brightness
- Olive oil – for searing
- 1 jar of butter chicken sauce – the ultimate shortcut for a rich velvety finish
- ½ small white onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste – for that aromatic base
- 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
- Fresh cilantro – for a fresh herby garnish
- Naan and basmati rice – because every good sauce needs something to soak it up
Instructions
- Combine your cubed chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cumin, ground ginger, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly, cover, and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight if you have the time). This step is what gives the chicken its signature tenderness and flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, searing until browned on all sides. You’re not cooking it all the way through yet — just locking in flavor and giving it a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, then add garlic paste. Let it cook until fragrant — about 30 seconds.
- Pour in your jar of butter chicken sauce, then stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for extra creaminess. Add the seared chicken back to the pan and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Spoon the butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and serve with warm naan on the side.