Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. This simplified 30-minute butter chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Keyword: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Plain yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- Butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Tomato paste or tomato purée
- Heavy cream
- Garam masala (extra for seasoning)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté onions until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and additional garam masala. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- Coconut milk can be used instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add cayenne or chopped chilies for more spice.
- Tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas make great protein swaps.
- Blend in ground cashews or almonds for a nuttier flavor.
- Simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce, or add tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry if needed.
