Craving restaurant-style Indian food without leaving the house? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken has everything you love — tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce that’s buttery, aromatic, and absolutely addictive. And the best part? It comes together in just 30–40 minutes!
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this butter chicken recipe is beginner-friendly and packed with bold flavor. Serve it over rice or with warm naan for a soul-satisfying meal the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (in batches if necessary) and sear until browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and spices (garam masala, cumin, chili powder) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer
Add tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cream, sugar (if using), and return chicken to the pan. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is thickened.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice, with naan bread, or both!
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut yogurt and coconut cream.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers toward the end.
- Make it spicier: Add cayenne or extra chili powder.
- Meal prep: Stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge — flavor improves overnight!
- Freeze it: Butter chicken freezes beautifully; just leave out the cream and add it after reheating.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice
- Warm naan bread or roti for dipping
- Add a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for balance
- Garnish with cilantro and a swirl of cream for a restaurant-style look
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