Print

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and easy Butter Chicken recipe featuring marinated chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Naan or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir well, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the fantastic flavors.
  2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the finely chopped onions, stirring frequently. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions turn soft and translucent.
  3. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromatic oils.
  4. Now it’s time to add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned, stirring occasionally, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the tomato puree, allowing the mixture to bubble and cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  6. After the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Mix well to incorporate it into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Season with salt to taste and remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes

For added depth in flavor, consider toasting your spices before adding them. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it using water or chicken broth. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables.

Nutrition