Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
There is something truly comforting about this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe that makes it a beloved classic in many households. Creamy, mildly spiced, and rich with buttery goodness, this dish effortlessly blends tender chicken in a luscious tomato-based sauce that’s flavored with aromatic spices. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe offers a straightforward way to create restaurant-quality butter chicken that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and depth of flavor. Don’t let the short list fool you — these staples combine to create an incredibly satisfying meal.
- Butter: The star of the show, it adds rich creaminess and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed until translucent to provide a sweet, mellow base flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced, they bring a fragrant warmth and slight zing to the dish.
- Chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander: These spices create a vibrant, aromatic profile that defines butter chicken.
- Chicken pieces: Bite-sized and juicy, they soak up all the luscious sauce flavors.
- Tomato sauce: Offers a tangy depth and a bright red color that’s visually inviting.
- Heavy cream: For that velvety finish, balancing the spices with a smooth, rich touch.
- Salt and pepper: To elevate and round out all the flavors perfectly.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped, it adds a pop of color and herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step brings out a gentle sweetness that forms the foundation of the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until their aromas fill the kitchen. This fresh spice blend perfectly complements the creamy tomato base.
Step 4: Cook the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook these spices for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step unlocks their essential oils, making the dish deeply flavorful and fragrant.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces into the skillet. Let them brown slightly while cooking through, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Browning creates a tasty crust that adds to the overall richness of the dish.
Step 6: Introduce Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook it for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, blending the flavors together beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes thick, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top before serving. This final touch adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish, but you can also sprinkle some toasted fenugreek leaves or a drizzle of cream to elevate presentation and flavor. These touches make the dish feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken shines when paired with fragrant basmati rice or warm, fluffy naan bread. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad balances the richness and makes for a satisfying, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe inside a hollowed-out naan bowl or pair it with roasted cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers for a new meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld over time, making leftovers often even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Label it with the date so you can enjoy this quick meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to that luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the butter and heavy cream for coconut oil and coconut milk. This change will add a slight tropical hint while keeping the creamy texture intact.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer it spicier, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder palates, reduce the chili quantity or omit the cayenne entirely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prepping. Prepare the butter chicken in advance and portion it out with rice or sides for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
You can, but you’ll need to cook the fresh tomatoes longer to achieve a thick sauce. Using canned tomato sauce keeps things simple and consistent.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about making this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe at home — it’s a cozy crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With its rich sauce, aromatic spices, and creamy texture, it’s a wonderful dish to add to your weeknight dinner lineup or to bring out for special gatherings. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite for you and your loved ones.
Print
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Easy Butter Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. This comforting Indian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be adjusted for heat or made dairy-free with simple substitutions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional for Serving
- Basmati rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
- 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.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Toast Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook these spices for 1-2 minutes to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides and thoroughly cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce gently for another 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve alongside basmati rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer spicier flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Allowing the spices to cook a bit before adding liquids enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
