Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal that comes together rapidly, perfect for busy evenings. Tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce infused with aromatic spices provides a comforting, gourmet-style dish that’s kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce Base
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Liquids
- 1 cup tomato puree or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Garnish (Optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and the garlic and ginger paste. Cook until the onions turn golden and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Spices: Mix in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Toast the spices briefly to release their essential oils and deepen the aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they start to brown, sealing in the juices while absorbing the spices.
- Incorporate Tomato and Cream: Pour in the tomato puree and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and allow it to heat through, creating a luscious and creamy finish.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired. Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is ready to serve.
Notes
- Marinate chicken briefly in plain yogurt for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness.
- Simmer the sauce gently over low heat to prevent cream from curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
- Use freshly ground garam masala for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
- For authenticity and richness, use butter, but adding a bit of vegetable oil can prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest off the heat for a few minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Quick Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry, Weeknight Dinner, Family Meal