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Spicy Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 53 reviews

This Spicy Butter Chicken recipe features tender organic chicken breast chunks marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, seared to perfection, and simmered in a rich, creamy, and smooth tomato-based butter sauce. The dish combines aromatic spices like garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper for a perfect balance of heat and depth. Served best with naan, rice, or potatoes, this recipe delivers a comforting yet exciting Indian-inspired meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Spicy Butter Chicken:

  • 2 lbs. organic chicken breast, chopped into chunks
  • 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (see Notes for homemade option)
  • 2 tsps smoked paprika, divided
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, chopped (yellow, white, or red)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Garam Masala (or substitute with cumin + allspice mix)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, organic (or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes)
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup organic chicken stock (or chicken bone broth)

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, add freshly cleaned and rinsed chicken chunks along with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and the On Everything All-Purpose Blend. Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the seasonings to soak in. For best results, place the coated chicken in a sealed ziplock bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken chunks and cook until they are browned on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. When seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Spicy Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, lower to medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and minced fresh ginger. Sauté until fragrant and golden. Then add diced tomatoes, additional On Everything All-Purpose Blend, garam masala, turmeric, the remaining smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors, then let the mixture cool slightly.
  4. Blend the Sauce: Carefully transfer the sauce mixture to a high-powered blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble and Simmer: Return the blended sauce to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seared chicken chunks back into the sauce and stir well to coat. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. Optionally, stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the spicy butter chicken with your choice of sides such as naan bread, cooked basmati rice, coconut rice, brown rice, baked sweet potatoes, pita bread, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The On Everything All-Purpose Blend is a custom spice mix. You can purchase a pre-made blend or create your own by combining equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to increase or reduce heat according to your preference.
  • Using organic and fresh ingredients enhances flavor and nutritional quality.
  • For added richness, feel free to add extra butter toward the end of cooking.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight improves flavor infusion and tenderness.
  • Chicken bone broth can be substituted for chicken stock to add enhanced nutrients and flavor depth.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/spicy-butter-chicken-recipe/