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A bowl of homemade butter chicken with creamy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and served alongside naan bread.

Homemade Butter Chicken: Your Weeknight Flavor Escape

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Enjoy a quick and flavorful homemade butter chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This rich, creamy dish features tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce and finished with a lush creamy finish. Ideal for a satisfying dinner with minimal prep, this easy butter chicken recipe will become your new go-to for comforting family meals or entertaining guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines authentic flavors with simple ingredients for a delightful culinary experience.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) 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. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of garam masala. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add remaining butter to the same pan. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Mix in cumin, paprika, turmeric, and additional garam masala if desired. Let simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Return cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until flavors meld. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain creaminess.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1⅓ cups)
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg