Name: Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish; Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

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If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style Indian food but worried about the time or skill involved, this Easy Butter Chicken will change your dinner game forever. Creamy, rich, and bursting with aromatic spices, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to scoop up every last bit of sauce with warm naan. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, Easy Butter Chicken strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and simple home-cooked comfort—all ready in under an hour!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—most of these ingredients are pantry staples or simple to find. Every element plays a special role, from the warm spices to the velvety cream, creating that iconic color and irresistibly smooth texture of classic Easy Butter Chicken.

Chicken thighs: They stay incredibly juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Butter: Essential for the signature richness and a subtle, decadent flavor throughout the dish.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and gives everything a lovely, savory base.
Onion: When finely chopped and sautéed, they build the foundation of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an unbeatable depth and aromatic punch.
Fresh ginger: For a hint of warmth and complex, subtle heat that lifts the sauce.
Garam masala: This classic Indian spice blend brings aromatic warmth and deep character.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy, nutty undertones that complement the other spices beautifully.
Ground coriander: Lends a citrusy brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Paprika: Contributes gorgeous color and a gentle smokiness.
Turmeric: For an unmistakable golden hue and subtle peppery flavor.
Chili powder: Provides the dish with a little kick—adjust to taste for more or less heat.
Salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Tomato sauce: The backbone of the sauce, providing tang and a smooth consistency.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky, smooth, and oh-so-creamy.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and even more velvety richness.
Fresh cilantro: A burst of herby freshness to finish the dish with color and vibrancy.
Cooked basmati rice or naan: These are classic for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about 6 to 7 minutes so they get lightly browned on the outside (don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this step locks in extra flavor and keeps the chicken wonderfully tender as it finishes cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions turn golden and sweet. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for just a minute until your kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist. These are the building blocks of flavor in Easy Butter Chicken.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, stirring to thoroughly coat the onions. Let these spices bloom for a minute or so—the aroma will intensify and the mix will take on a deep, inviting color. It’s this moment that gives Easy Butter Chicken its unforgettable depth.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the can of tomato sauce, stir, and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This is when the flavors really meld, and the sauce starts to thicken and deepen in color. The tomatoes add acidity to balance the richness, creating that classic Indian restaurant-style taste.

Step 5: Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until the sauce is completely smooth and luscious. There’s something magical about watching the sauce go from fiery red to mellow orange, signaling that signature creamy Easy Butter Chicken texture.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the browned chicken (and any collected juices) to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glorious, silky consistency. Just before serving, stir in the final tablespoon of butter for extra shine and flavor. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot, paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up every drop.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped cilantro over your Easy Butter Chicken just before serving. A dollop of extra yogurt and a pinch of ground chili can add flair and a bit of tang or heat if you’re feeling bold. You’ll love the burst of color and the contrast of flavors a few simple garnishes provide.

Side Dishes

No Easy Butter Chicken night feels complete without a bowl of steaming basmati rice or pillowy naan bread by its side. If you want more variety, consider a crisp cucumber salad, a simple lentil dal, or even roasted cauliflower to balance out the richness of the sauce. Each side brings out something different and enjoyable in the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to treat yourself, try serving Easy Butter Chicken in individual bowls with a swirl of cream on top for a pretty effect. For gatherings, offer a big platter family-style with plenty of rice and a basket of naan, letting everyone scoop their own. Leftovers can even be spooned into lettuce cups or piled into wraps for a fun lunch that turns heads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Butter Chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently and enjoy those intensified spices and creamy texture with almost zero extra effort.

Freezing

This dish is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Let the Easy Butter Chicken cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving enough space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to two months, making it the ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks or last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm on the stove over gentle heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Avoid boiling, as that can separate the cream—low and slow is your friend for restoring that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Easy Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep a close eye to prevent overcooking so the meat stays juicy and tender in the rich sauce.

Is Easy Butter Chicken spicy?

This recipe is mild to medium, perfect for most palates. You can reduce chili powder for less heat or add a dash more for an extra kick. Customizing spice levels is simple and lets everyone enjoy their perfect plate.

Can I make Easy Butter Chicken dairy free?

Definitely! Use coconut milk in place of cream and a plant-based yogurt. Swap the butter for your favorite vegan alternative. The sauce remains creamy and delicious, making it just as satisfying for everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe ‘easy’ compared to traditional butter chicken?

This version skips lengthy marinades and complicated steps while still giving you all the flavor. It’s streamlined for busy home cooks, delivering the bold, creamy taste you crave in less than an hour, using everyday ingredients you probably already have!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can! Just use a larger pan or cook in batches to avoid crowding. Butter Chicken is a total crowd-pleaser, and leftovers freeze beautifully if you happen to end up with any extras.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how easy and rewarding it is to bring restaurant-style flavor home, there’s nothing stopping you from making Easy Butter Chicken your new weeknight staple. Gather your ingredients, get that skillet sizzling, and let the magic of creamy, spiced comfort win over everyone at your table. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears!

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Easy Butter Chicken recipe that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right to your table. Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, aromatic sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a skillet. Brown chicken pieces, then set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion until golden. Add garlic, ginger, spices, and tomato sauce. Simmer.
Finish Dish: Stir in cream and yogurt. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through. Add butter, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan.