Description
This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavor. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a buttery tomato sauce infused with warm spices. A cozy, Indian-inspired dinner ready in just 40 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or fall evenings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste (or 1 tsp each grated ginger and minced garlic)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Warm naan or roti
- Steamed vegetables (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add tomato puree, cumin, turmeric, and sugar. Cook 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens.
4. Stir in cream and garam masala. Simmer 3–4 minutes until smooth and silky.
5. Return chicken to the pan and coat in sauce. Simmer 5–7 minutes until tender and cooked through.
6. Serve over hot rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Marinate chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Add more chili powder or fresh chiles for extra spice.
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg