Print

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Quick Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry, Weeknight Dinner, Family Meal