Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: A rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that comes together fast, with tender chicken simmered in a velvety spiced tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook spices for 1 minute to release flavor.
- Pour in tomato sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add heavy cream and return chicken to the pan. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving with naan or rice.
Notes
- Option: coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for milder or hotter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: quick & easy, butter chicken, homemade butter chicken, creamy chicken curry, Indian-inspired, easy dinner, naan, rice