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A plate of creamy homemade butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside steaming basmati rice and naan bread.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder!

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Discover how to make delicious homemade butter chicken effortlessly with this quick and easy butter chicken recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights! This flavorful dish features tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, ready in just about 30 minutes. Enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Optional: marinate with yogurt and spices for tenderness.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add spices: garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric; cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato puree; simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. Add heavy cream or coconut milk and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Notes

  • To add extra tenderness, marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg