Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a flavorful and creamy Indian dish that’s both simple and delicious. Tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with buttery goodness. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Cooked
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve:
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or more cayenne pepper for heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken with steamed rice or naan bread.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, but chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add more butter or cream.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
