Why You’ll Love Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This butter chicken recipe stands out for its simplicity without compromising flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how easily it comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your spice preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
plain yogurt
garam masala
ground cumin
ground coriander
turmeric
chili powder or paprika
salt
oil or ghee
butter
garlic, minced
ginger, minced
tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
heavy cream or coconut milk
sugar (optional)
fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
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In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 15–30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add butter, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in tomato puree and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
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Return the chicken to the pan, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 5–10 more minutes, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Add sugar if needed to balance acidity.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spice it up: Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version.
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Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and oil instead of butter.
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Grill it: Grill the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor before adding it to the sauce.
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Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
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Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is butter chicken made of?
Butter chicken is made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices.
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop more. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breast works well and cooks a bit faster, though chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
Is butter chicken spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the amount of chili powder used. Adjust the heat to your preference.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roti. A side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad also pairs well.
How do I thicken the butter chicken sauce?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to thicken naturally, or add a bit more cream if needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the marinated chicken and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, you can substitute cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or even plain yogurt for a lighter version.
How do I make it more authentic?
Using ghee instead of oil, fresh spices, and marinating the chicken overnight will make the flavor more authentic.
Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful dish you can whip up any night of the week. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with fluffy rice or warm naan, this comforting classic delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces, cooking until lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt, and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- Swap cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for extra flavor if you have time.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!