If you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine but want something quick and approachable for any weeknight, then you are absolutely going to love The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly spiced chicken simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet effortless, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for dinner parties, family meals, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your plate with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe so special is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each element plays a vital role in creating its iconic taste and creamy texture, while the spices bring that signature depth and warmth. Here’s everything you need to gather before you start cooking this fantastic dish.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to help sear the chicken beautifully without overpowering the spices.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce; don’t skip it for the authentic feel.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a slightly sweet base and balances the bold spices.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated: Brings a fresh, zesty kick essential to Indian dishes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and warmth.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks: Thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts work fine too—just ensure even chunks for perfect cooking.
- 4 tablespoons tomato purée: Delivers acidity and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: A fragrant blend of spices that defines the dish’s signature flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika: Adjust the heat to your liking—paprika if you prefer mild, chili powder for extra warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Deepens the earthiness and complements the tomato base wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the layers of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the spices with a subtle bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt for lighter version): Creates the rich, silky texture that makes butter chicken unforgettable.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into uniform ¾-inch chunks so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Season the pieces well with salt and black pepper to layer in savory notes right from the start—this simple step is key to juicy, tasty chicken.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil and butter together until melted and shimmering. Then, working in batches if needed, sear the chicken until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. This caramelization locks in moisture and adds a mouthwatering depth to each bite. Once browned, set the chicken aside for now—the sauce is where the magic really happens.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pan (with all those tasty browned bits), add your diced onion. Cook it gently until softened and translucent, which creates a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. Then add the fresh ginger and minced garlic, sautéing just long enough to release their fragrant aroma without burning—this is where the fragrance really starts to build.
Step 4: Bloom Spices & Add Tomato
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the garam masala, chili powder or paprika, and ground cumin. Cook these spices briefly to bloom their flavors, making the sauce incredibly aromatic. Then, stir in the tomato purée and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and concentrate the tomato’s tangy, rich flavor. This step deepens the sauce’s complex character.
Step 5: Simmer Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the pan and give everything a good stir to coat the pieces with that delicious spice and tomato mixture. Pour in the heavy cream, which mellows the spices and creates the signature buttery, smooth texture of butter chicken. Let the whole pan come to a gentle simmer, then cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a dreamy consistency—about 10 to 15 minutes of patience that truly pays off.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper brings everything into perfect harmony. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you love that hit of herbal freshness. Serve your creation hot, alongside fragrant basmati rice or soft, warm naan bread that is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite.
How to Serve The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or finely chopped mint leaves not only adds a vibrant green color that makes the dish irresistible, but also introduces fresh herbal notes that lift the richness of the sauce. For a little extra, a dollop of cooling yogurt on top can add contrast and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, whose fluffy grains soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with naan, roti, or even a simple cucumber raita to add a refreshing crunch and coolness that balances the warm spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just enjoy something a tiny bit different, try serving the butter chicken atop a bed of fragrant saffron rice or alongside roasted vegetables for extra texture. Another fun idea is stuffing the cooked chicken and sauce into warm pita pockets with fresh salad, creating Indian-inspired wraps for an easy handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This butter chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors. When reheated, the sauce tastes just as good, making it an excellent option for next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When warming up leftovers, do so on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of water or cream during reheating can help refresh the sauce, making every bite as delightful as when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually preferred by many for their extra juiciness and tenderness, but breasts work perfectly well too. Just cut the pieces evenly so they cook uniformly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. This will give you a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
How spicy is the recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate, depending on whether you use chili powder or paprika. You can adjust the chili powder amount to suit your taste or omit it for a very mild dish.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the sauce base ahead (up to 24 hours), then add and cook the chicken fresh for the best texture. This is a great time-saver for busy nights.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you’re missing garam masala, you can use a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and cloves as a substitute, or use a store-bought curry powder to get close to the flavor.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe that brings incredible flavor with straightforward steps and ingredients you can find in any pantry. It’s a meal that practically guarantees smiles around the table and leftover-worthy satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—here’s to many cozy, delicious dinners ahead!
Print
The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This easy Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garam masala and warming spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt for lighter version)
- Fresh cilantro, to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into ¾-inch chunks. Season the pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken chunks in batches, browning all sides to lock in juices, then transfer them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced fresh ginger and garlic cloves, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Bloom Spices & Add Tomato: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the garam masala, chili powder (or paprika), and ground cumin. Cook the spices for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Then add the tomato purée and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the seared chicken back to the pan, stirring to coat it with the spiced mixture. Pour in the heavy cream, bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish & Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if using. Serve the butter chicken hot, alongside basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half & half or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the chili powder depending on your preferred heat level.
- Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Serve with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.
