If you have a craving for something indulgently creamy, packed with flavor, and yet wonderfully simple to make, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful celebration of tender chicken simmered in a luxuriously spiced tomato and cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss. The balance of buttery richness combined with well-mingled spices brings a taste of tradition right into your kitchen, making this dish just as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together the textures, flavors, and aromas that make butter chicken so irresistible. From the creamy butter and heavy cream to the vibrant spices and fresh cilantro, these simple essentials are what transform everyday pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dish.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Choose thighs for juicier meat, but breasts work great too for a leaner option.
- 3 tablespoons butter: This adds richness and helps build that signature creamy sauce.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions create a sweet, golden base that complements the spices perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives a wonderfully fragrant depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a slight zing and warmth that balances richness.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: This classic Indian spice mix is essential for authentic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin offers earthy undertones that enrich the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Coriander adds a subtle citrus note to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: Turmeric not only contributes a lovely golden color but also a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adjust this to your preferred heat level for a gentle kick or more spice.
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Tomatoes provide acidity and body, forming the heart of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Cream is what makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
- Salt to taste: A must for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: A sprinkle of cilantro adds vibrant color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Onions
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until it softens and turns golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce, offering sweetness and depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant. These aromatics layer the sauce with their unmistakable warmth and sharpness, awakening your senses and setting the stage for the spices to shine.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir the mixture well and let the spices toast for about a minute. Toasting spices helps release their essential oils, intensifying the flavors and creating the unmistakable aroma of butter chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the skillet. Stir to coat each piece thoroughly with the spiced onion mixture, and cook until the chicken turns golden and slightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step seals in juices and infuses the meat with all those wonderful spices.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine everything. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes. Tomatoes add a subtle tanginess and body to the sauce, balancing the creaminess that you’ll add next.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken finishes cooking in the luscious sauce.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Taste and season with salt as needed to enhance all the flavors. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the rich sauce.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic option that adds a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some toasted fenugreek leaves or a dollop of yogurt to balance the richness and add nuance to every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with warm naan bread to scoop up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Steamed basmati rice or even a lightly spiced pilaf are perfect companions that soak in the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve your butter chicken in small bowls garnished with a swirl of cream and finely chopped chilies for mild heat and visual appeal. Alternatively, plating it over a bed of fragrant saffron rice can take the presentation up a notch for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from splitting. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy, chicken breasts will work fine if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook them.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is quite mild by default, thanks to the balanced spices and cream. You can easily adjust the chili powder quantity to make it milder or spicier based on your taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and creamy.
How long does this recipe take to make?
The recipe is designed to be quick and easy, with a total time of about 35 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s perfect for weeknights or whenever you want something hearty without the wait.
What can I use instead of garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala on hand, a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg can be combined to mimic its warm, aromatic profile.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its creamy, comforting charm. It’s a foolproof way to bring incredible flavors to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weekend treat, this recipe belongs in your regular meal rotation. Give it a go and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with aromatic spices, simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro for a flavorful, satisfying dinner that’s simple to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices & Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Toast Spices: Add garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, stirring well to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream, and stir thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to incorporate all flavors.
- Season: Taste the sauce and add salt as needed to balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with your choice of naan bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a mixture of milk and yogurt.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
