If you are craving a dish that bursts with rich flavors but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect fit. Creamy, spiced, and comforting all at once, it’s a beloved classic that balances buttery richness with fragrant spices. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe guides you through making a restaurant-worthy Indian favorite right at home, all in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building layers of deep flavor to lending the luscious creamy texture and vibrant color that make this dish irresistible.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
- Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety base to the sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed until translucent to provide sweetness and depth.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced to bring brightness and warmth.
- Chili powder: Provides a gentle heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Cumin, turmeric, coriander: Classic spices that create the signature earthy and aromatic profile.
- Tomato sauce: The tangy heart of the dish, balancing richness with acidity.
- Heavy cream: Gives the curry its luscious, creamy texture and mellow finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Cilantro: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onions. Sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial because it brings out the sweetness that balances the spices later.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the freshly minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This small addition uplifts the entire dish with aromatic warmth and zest.
Step 4: Cook the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cooking these spices for 1-2 minutes releases their essential oils, deepening the curry’s fragrance and flavor complexity. Don’t rush this part, as it’s key for that authentic taste.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until nicely browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. This step locks in moisture and builds a lovely texture on the outside.
Step 6: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes until it’s rich, creamy, and perfectly thickened, enveloping the chicken in indulgent flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top to add a vibrant, fresh touch that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice, but you can also add a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves if you want to elevate your dish even further. These garnishes add both color and complexity to every bite.
Side Dishes
This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread, perfect for scooping up that delicious sauce. For a healthier touch, try serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken in mini naan bowls or stuff it inside warm pita pockets with fresh cucumber raita. Another creative idea is layering it over a bed of fragrant quinoa or roasted cauliflower for a grain-free option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or cream can help restore the creamy consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter and heavy cream for coconut oil and coconut milk to keep the dish creamy and flavorful while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How spicy is the Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?
By default, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want it hotter.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, but breasts are lean and cook quickly.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to cook them longer to break them down and achieve that rich, smooth sauce texture. Tomato sauce offers convenience and consistent flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze cooked butter chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it properly and reheat slowly to maintain that creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is a true weeknight hero that delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease without compromise. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sharing this gem with your loved ones too.
Print
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a buttery tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices and finished with heavy cream for a luscious texture. Quick to prepare and adaptable for varying spice levels and dietary preferences, it’s ideal served with basmati rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This develops the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Toast Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their essential oils and intensify their aromas.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, blending all the flavors together.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for spicier flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Pair the dish with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced versions can be used in a pinch but may alter the taste slightly.
- Ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding chicken to get a good sear and lock in juices.
