Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander with a rich cream base to create a comforting meal. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a satisfying and delicious experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, forming a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Cook Spices: Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma and flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, then season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm alongside basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich butter chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
