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A vibrant plate of creamy butter chicken with rich orange-colored sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside fluffy steamed rice on a white ceramic plate, with a rustic wooden background.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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Discover the rich and creamy flavor of homemade Butter Chicken with this quick and easy Indian curry recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and a buttery tomato sauce, all ready in just under 45 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle remaining spices over the aromatics. Stir well to coat. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies.
  • Use coconut cream and plant-based butter for a vegan/dairy-free option.
  • Reheat in stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain creamy texture.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 530mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg