Name: Simple & Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Simple & Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken! 🍽️🧈🔥

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite dinner recipe: homemade butter chicken. This easy butter chicken recipe combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, fragrant tomato-based sauce with butter and spices, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this quick butter chicken recipe is sure to impress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a flavorful meal in no time!

2. Ingredients Needed for Homemade Butter Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Butter Chicken

Prep the Chicken Marinade

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, a pinch of salt, and half of the garlic and ginger. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the remaining garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In the same pan, add the tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.

Add Butter and Cream

Stir in the butter and heavy cream (or coconut milk). Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Final Touch and Serving

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread. For an even more authentic experience, check out this dinner ideas collection for tasty sides that pair perfectly with homemade butter chicken.

4. Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover homemade butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of water or additional cream when reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

5. Serving Suggestions for Homemade Butter Chicken

This flavorful dish shines when paired with steamed basmati rice, flaky naan bread, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. To elevate your meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad.

6. FAQs About Homemade Butter Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs provide a richer flavor and stay juicier when cooked. They are an excellent alternative for this easy butter chicken recipe.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

Absolutely. Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the dish dairy-free while maintaining its creamy texture.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes — including marination, preparation, and cooking times, making it a perfect quick butter chicken dinner option.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Make cooking and cleanup effortless with this high-quality cookware set that ensures even heat distribution and non-stick performance.
Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplify chopping and preparing ingredients for this and other recipes with this versatile veggie prep tool.
Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for keeping beverages cold on busy cooking days or making flavored drinks to pair with your meal.

8. Additional Tips for the Perfect Homemade Butter Chicken

Adjust spice levels according to your preference — add more chili powder for extra heat or less for milder flavor.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to maximize flavor and aroma.
Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld before serving.

9. Conclusion

There you have it — a delicious, easy butter chicken recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, and simple ingredients, this dish combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to explore accompanying sides and garnishes to complete your meal. Try making this homemade butter chicken today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from your own kitchen!

Simple & Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken!