Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A plate of homemade butter chicken served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, showcasing a creamy, vibrant orange sauce.

Homemade Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover how to make a flavorful homemade butter chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish features tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, finished with fresh cilantro and your choice of dairy or dairy-free cream. An easy, restaurant-quality recipe you can make at home in just under an hour.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining butter to the same skillet. Sauté onions until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer together for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over rice or naan.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust spice levels according to your taste preference.
  • Use full-fat dairy for a richer sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie, can be added at the end to save time.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Vegetarian Option Available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Find it online: https://homeplatemagic.com/homemade-butter-chicken-a-flavorful-weeknight-delight/