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Creamy butter chicken served with steaming rice on a white plate, garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of naan bread.

Effortless Butter Chicken: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

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Discover how to make delicious homemade butter chicken with this easy butter chicken recipe. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights! This effortless butter chicken combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with aromatic spices, making it a perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Elevate your home-cooked meals with this simple, restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes, stirring well. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it well with the sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream.
  • Adjust the spice levels to your taste, adding more chili powder for heat or less for mild flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes beforehand for extra tenderness.
  • Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs results in juicier meat, or opt for breasts for a leaner option.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg