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A vibrant plate of homemade butter chicken garnished with fresh coriander, served with naan bread and basmati rice.

Effortless Homemade Butter Chicken: Quick & Flavorful Recipe

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Discover the ultimate quick and flavorful homemade butter chicken recipe that is perfect for satisfying your craving for a rich, creamy Indian dish. Made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato sauce and finished with fresh cilantro, this effortless recipe is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting and delicious meal for any day of the week.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. Cook in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon butter until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, remaining spices, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce. Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk, simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra cream if needed to maintain creaminess.
  • You can customize the spice level by adding more chili flakes or keeping it mild.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Dairy-Free option available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg